Marquette, Michigan – Travel across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is expected to become hazardous late tonight into Wednesday morning as heavy lake effect snow combines with strong winds, creating periods of near-zero visibility and rapidly deteriorating road conditions.
Mixed precipitation, mainly rain and snow, is spreading west to east across the region this morning before transitioning to lake effect snow this afternoon and evening. Conditions will worsen significantly late tonight as a strong cold front pushes through northern Michigan.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, the cold front will reinvigorate lake effect snow across the north and northwest wind snow belts late tonight through Wednesday morning. Northerly wind gusts are expected to reach 40 to 50 mph, strong enough to cause extensive blowing and drifting snow.
Snowfall rates may reach one-half inch per hour at times within the most persistent bands. Combined with the strong winds, this will lead to sharply reduced visibility, especially on exposed roadways and in higher terrain. Near whiteout conditions are possible before and during the Wednesday morning commute.
The highest snow accumulations are expected in favored lake effect areas, particularly across high terrain in northern and northwest sections of the Upper Peninsula. Roads that appear merely wet earlier today may quickly become snow-covered and slick overnight as temperatures fall.
Earlier today, pockets of freezing rain mixed with snow may briefly create slippery conditions, mainly across central portions of the Upper Peninsula. As colder air deepens, precipitation will turn fully to snow by late evening.
The most dangerous travel window is expected late tonight through mid-morning Wednesday, when blowing snow will significantly reduce visibility. Motorists are urged to delay non-essential travel during this period if possible.
Residents should prepare for rapidly changing conditions, secure loose outdoor items ahead of strong winds, and allow extra time for travel. Snow removal crews may struggle to keep roads clear during the height of the event due to wind-driven snow.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve later Wednesday as winds ease and lake effect bands weaken, though lingering snow showers may persist into the afternoon. Additional advisories or warnings may be issued as the event evolves.
