Marquette, Michigan – Lake effect snow bands are sweeping across the Upper Peninsula early Wednesday, cutting visibility and coating roads just in time for the morning commute, with bursts of heavier snow expected to redevelop before 7 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. EST Wednesday for Keweenaw and Northern Houghton counties, as well as Alger, Luce and Northern Schoolcraft counties. Additional snowfall of 1 to 3 inches is expected across the Keweenaw Peninsula, including Houghton and Hancock, while eastern counties could see up to 5 inches. Winds will gust as high as 35 mph, creating patchy blowing snow.
The most persistent snow bands are expected east of Munising and along and north of M-28, where snowfall rates could exceed half an inch per hour in the heaviest bursts. Roads including U.S. 41 near Copper Harbor and stretches of M-28 toward Grand Marais may become snow-covered and slippery with sudden drops in visibility.
Drivers should slow down, increase following distance and allow extra travel time. Conditions may fluctuate through the evening commute before snow bands gradually weaken after sunset. Additional advisories could be issued if bands intensify.
