Marquette, Michigan – Travel across Upper Michigan could become treacherous overnight as heavy snow, ice and wind gusts up to 50 mph move in ahead of the Wednesday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Keweenaw, northern Houghton, Baraga and Marquette counties from 7 p.m. Tuesday until 7 p.m. Wednesday. Farther east across Alger, Luce, Delta and Schoolcraft counties, the warning runs from 1 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday.
Snow totals will range from 5 to 11 inches across the Keweenaw and higher terrain of Marquette and Baraga counties, with 3 to 7 inches expected east toward Munising, Escanaba and Manistique. Ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch could coat roads and power lines. Wind gusts may reach 50 mph over the Keweenaw, creating widespread blowing snow and near-whiteout conditions along U.S. 41 and M-28.
The combination of heavy snow, icing and strong winds may down tree limbs and cause scattered power outages. Drivers should avoid unnecessary travel, carry emergency supplies and prepare for delays during both Wednesday commutes.
Conditions begin improving Wednesday evening, though drifting snow could linger overnight.
