Marquette, Mich. – Drivers across the central Upper Peninsula should plan for light snow-covered stretches today followed by powerful wind gusts up to 45 mph that could buffet vehicles along US-41 and M-28 by Friday afternoon.
Light snowfall will continue through the day, generally bringing around 1 inch or less before tapering this evening. While totals remain minor, untreated secondary roads and elevated stretches of US-41 from Marquette to Negaunee may see slick spots during heavier bursts.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, warmer and windier conditions will develop Friday ahead of a strong cold front expected Friday night. High temperatures will climb into the upper 30s to upper 40s, accelerating snowmelt and creating wet pavement across much of the region.
The greater concern arrives Friday afternoon into Friday night as winds increase, especially across the Keweenaw Peninsula and near the Lake Superior shoreline. Gusts could reach at least 45 mph, strong enough to create difficult travel for high-profile vehicles along exposed sections of US-41 north of Houghton and across the Portage Lake Lift Bridge.
Loose snow may also blow across roadways, briefly reducing visibility in open areas. Drivers of trucks and SUVs should maintain a firm grip on the wheel and allow extra space between vehicles.
Colder air surges in behind the front Friday night, sending temperatures sharply lower into Saturday. Additional advisories could be issued if wind gusts trend higher or lake-effect snow develops heading into the weekend.
