Marquette, MI – A powerful and dangerous winter storm is battering Upper Michigan and northern Lower Michigan, with the National Weather Service issuing multiple Winter Storm Warnings as heavy snow, blowing snow, and extreme cold create life-threatening travel conditions.
According to the National Weather Service offices in Marquette and Gaylord, snow is falling at moderate to heavy rates, with additional accumulations ranging from 1 to 9 inches, depending on location. Strong winds gusting between 35 and 45 mph are producing widespread blowing and drifting snow, significantly reducing visibility and leading to whiteout conditions.
In Upper Michigan, Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect for nearly all counties. Areas including Marquette, Ironwood, Iron River, Ontonagon, Houghton, Hancock, Munising, Grand Marais, and Gwinn are seeing near-impossible travel, especially along Lake Superior shoreline roads. Some locations could see up to 6 inches of additional snow, while wind chills plunge to between -15°F and -25°F, increasing the risk of frostbite and hypothermia.
Warnings continue through 10 a.m. Monday for parts of the western U.P., while Alger County remains under warning until 7 p.m. Monday, where gusty winds could also bring down tree limbs and cause isolated power outages.
In northern Lower Michigan, Winter Storm Warnings extend through 7 a.m. Tuesday, impacting counties including Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Antrim, Otsego, Kalkaska, Benzie, Manistee, Wexford, Missaukee, Charlevoix, and Emmet, along with Western Chippewa County. Snow totals of 5 to 9 inches are expected, with locally higher amounts possible in persistent lake-effect bands.
The National Weather Service warns that travel could be treacherous to life-threatening, urging residents to avoid unnecessary travel. Those who must travel should carry emergency supplies, including food, water, blankets, and a flashlight, and be prepared for sudden whiteouts and rapidly changing road conditions.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve late Tuesday, but officials stress that the next 24 hours pose serious risks across much of Michigan.
