Marquette, Michigan – Blizzard conditions are set to slam Upper Michigan late Sunday through Monday, bringing heavy snow, dangerous whiteouts, and widespread travel shutdowns across the region.
The National Weather Service in Marquette has issued Blizzard Warnings for nearly the entire Upper Peninsula, including Marquette, Alger, Delta, Luce, Gogebic, Ontonagon, Houghton, Baraga, and Keweenaw counties. The most severe impacts are expected from Sunday evening through Monday evening, with winds gusting between 45 and 65 mph and snowfall totals ranging from 9 to over 22 inches.
According to the National Weather Service, a light glaze of ice or freezing rain is possible Sunday morning in parts of eastern Alger, Luce, and Delta counties before precipitation changes to heavy snow by evening. As winds intensify overnight, widespread blowing and drifting snow will sharply reduce visibility, creating near-zero visibility conditions at times.
Travel is expected to become very difficult to impossible, especially on major routes including US-41, M-28, and M-35. The hazardous conditions will directly impact the Monday morning and evening commutes. Officials warn that the combination of heavy snow and strong winds may down trees and power lines, leading to sporadic to potentially extended power outages.
Emergency managers urge residents to avoid non-essential travel and prepare for possible isolation. If travel is unavoidable, carry a winter survival kit and remain with your vehicle if stranded. Residents should charge devices, secure loose outdoor items, and prepare for prolonged winter conditions.
The blizzard threat extends from the western counties through central and eastern Upper Michigan, with the strongest winds near Lake Superior and across the Keweenaw Peninsula. Conditions are expected to gradually improve Monday night.
