Marquette, Michigan – Mixed precipitation changing to heavy snow may disrupt travel across Upper Michigan beginning Tuesday evening.
According to the US National Weather Service in Marquette, a winter storm is expected to lift into the Great Lakes Tuesday night through Wednesday, spreading a mix of rain, freezing rain, and snow before transitioning to all snow by Wednesday.
Winter Storm Watches are in effect for portions of Upper Michigan from Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening. Forecasters say east to northeast wind gusts between 35 and 45 mph are possible, particularly near Lake Superior and across the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Heavy snow combined with strong winds may significantly reduce visibility and create blowing and drifting snow. While snowfall totals remain uncertain, some areas could receive more than 8 inches, especially in locations favored by lake enhancement.
Road conditions may deteriorate quickly Tuesday night along US-41, M-28, US-2, and M-26. Bridges and elevated roadways could become slick during periods of freezing rain before the transition to snow. Gusty winds may also lead to isolated power outages if heavy, wet snow accumulates on trees and power lines.
The highest impacts are expected late Tuesday night through Wednesday afternoon as precipitation changes fully to snow and winds increase.
Midweek travel could be hazardous for commuters, commercial drivers, and students traveling between campuses across the Upper Peninsula.
Residents are encouraged to monitor updated forecasts as snowfall amounts and exact transition timing remain uncertain.
