Marquette, MI – A multi-hazard winter storm is expected to impact Marquette and much of Upper Michigan beginning Wednesday and intensifying through Wednesday night, bringing strong winds, rapidly falling temperatures, and accumulating snow that could make travel dangerous.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, southerly winds will increase Wednesday, with gusts reaching 25 to 45 mph, especially across higher terrain in Marquette County, western Gogebic County, and along Lake Superior shorelines from Big Bay to Grand Marais. Light precipitation is expected Wednesday morning and early afternoon, starting as rain, snow, or freezing rain.
Forecasters warn that conditions could deteriorate quickly late Wednesday afternoon and evening as colder air moves in. Temperatures are expected to fall below freezing, causing wet roads to rapidly ice over in a potential flash freeze. As colder air deepens, precipitation will transition to all snow.
Widespread snowfall is expected Wednesday night once colder air settles across the region. Snowfall rates could exceed 0.5 inches per hour in higher terrain areas, particularly between Copper Harbor and Ironwood and across the Michigamme Highlands north and east of U.S. 41. Snow is expected to be wet initially, then become lighter and more prone to blowing as winds increase.
By Wednesday night, winds will shift to the north and strengthen, with gusts peaking above 45 mph over the Keweenaw Peninsula and along exposed Lake Superior shorelines. Blowing and drifting snow could significantly reduce visibility and create hazardous road conditions, especially on highways connecting L’Anse and Marquette.
Snow accumulations are expected to range from 2 to 5 inches in Marquette County, with 4 to 8 inches possible in higher elevations. Light lake-effect snow may linger into Friday as winds gradually diminish.
