Marquette, Michigan – A major winter storm is expected to impact Michigan’s Upper Peninsula beginning Sunday night and continuing into Monday, with travel conditions potentially becoming very difficult to impossible.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, the most dangerous conditions are forecast Sunday night through Monday morning, when heavy snow and strong winds are expected to occur simultaneously. Forecasters warn that the combination may lead to widespread blowing and drifting snow, sharply reduced visibility, and hazardous road conditions, particularly near Lake Superior and the Keweenaw Peninsula.
Ahead of the main storm, light freezing rain or drizzle is possible Sunday morning in some locations, which could produce a glaze of ice on roads and sidewalks. As temperatures continue to fall Sunday afternoon, precipitation is expected to transition to all snow from west to east.
The National Weather Service notes that snowfall will become heavier Sunday night, accompanied by increasing winds. Travel impacts are expected to peak overnight into early Monday, when road conditions may rapidly deteriorate. Officials say some areas could experience conditions where travel becomes extremely difficult or not advisable.
Snow is expected to continue through Monday, though winds may begin to gradually weaken later in the day. Another round of snowfall is possible Monday night into Tuesday, especially downwind of Lake Superior, where additional accumulations may occur due to lake-enhanced snow.
The Upper Peninsula is no stranger to winter storms, but forecasters emphasize that this system has the potential to produce high-impact conditions over a relatively long duration. Residents are encouraged to complete travel and preparation plans before Sunday night and to avoid unnecessary travel during the height of the storm.
Drivers are urged to carry winter emergency kits, check road conditions before traveling, and monitor forecast updates as warnings or advisories may be issued.
