Marquette, Michigan – A strengthening clipper system is bringing 6 to 12 inches of snow and hazardous travel conditions across Upper Michigan Tuesday, with the heaviest totals expected in the east.
According to the US National Weather Service in Marquette, moderate to heavy snowfall will impact the region for a 2- to 6-hour window Tuesday, producing reduced visibility and accumulating snow on roadways. Eastern Upper Michigan, including areas near Sault Ste. Marie and along I-75, could see between 8 and 12 inches by early Wednesday morning.
Across the interior west and central Upper Peninsula, snowfall totals are generally expected between 2 and 5 inches. The Keweenaw Peninsula and eastern counties may see higher amounts in the 5 to 8 inch range.
Gusty south winds of 10 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 to 40 mph near the lakeshores, are expected to create areas of blowing and drifting snow. Winds will shift west to west-northwest tonight into Wednesday, with gusts up to 35 mph continuing lake-effect snow bands.
Road closures are possible along the lakeshores, particularly where heavier snow bands and gusty winds overlap. Travel impacts are expected along US-41 near Marquette, US-2 near Escanaba, M-28 near Munising, and I-75 near Sault Ste. Marie.
Low visibility and drifting snow may create hazardous conditions during the afternoon and evening commute.
The system may especially affect students, commercial drivers, and long-distance travelers crossing the Upper Peninsula.
Officials urge motorists to use caution and monitor updated road conditions through Wednesday morning.
