Marquette, MI – A powerful winter storm continues to impact Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, bringing heavy snow, gusty winds, and whiteout conditions through early Saturday morning. Travel is strongly discouraged due to hazardous road conditions and the potential for power outages.
According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 4 a.m. EST Saturday for Chippewa and Mackinac Counties and until 1 a.m. EST Saturday for Alger, Luce, Northern Schoolcraft, and Keweenaw Counties. Additional snowfall of up to 5 inches is expected, with the heaviest amounts north of M-28.
Wind gusts reaching 50 mph are leading to significant blowing and drifting snow, reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile in some areas. The hazardous conditions have already impacted Friday’s evening commute, with slick roads and icy bridges reported across the region.
Authorities urge residents to avoid travel if possible. Those who must drive should carry an emergency kit with a flashlight, food, and water. With temperatures expected to drop near zero overnight and only reaching the low-to-mid teens on Saturday, prolonged power outages could pose additional risks.
Residents are advised to report any downed power lines and to stay updated on weather alerts as conditions evolve.
