Marquette, Michigan – Heavy wet snow is piling up across the northern Upper Peninsula early Wednesday, with totals reaching 11 to 16 inches in parts of the Keweenaw Peninsula and creating dangerous travel along US-41 and M-28 through 7 a.m. Thursday.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, the heaviest snowfall is focused across the northern tier of the U.P., especially Houghton, Calumet and Copper Harbor. Moderate to heavy snow will continue through much of the morning before transitioning to a wintry mix and pockets of freezing rain this afternoon, particularly across south-central counties and near the Michigan-Wisconsin border.
Storm totals of 6 to 10 inches are likely near Marquette and Munising, while Escanaba and Manistique may see 2 to 5 inches before a changeover to mixed precipitation. Ice accumulations are generally expected to range from a glaze up to one-tenth of an inch, though localized amounts could approach one-quarter inch in south-central areas.
US-41 from Houghton to Marquette and M-28 east toward Munising may become snow-covered with blowing snow near Lake Superior. Heavy, wet snow combined with gusty winds raises the risk of sporadic power outages, especially across the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Drivers should delay nonessential travel, reduce speeds and monitor Michigan 511 for updated road conditions. The most hazardous travel window will continue through Wednesday afternoon before precipitation tapers early Thursday morning. Additional advisories remain possible if icing becomes more widespread.
