Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan – Travel across Michigan’s eastern Upper Peninsula could become impossible by 5 a.m. Sunday as a long-duration blizzard begins dropping up to 34 inches of snow and whipping it across roads with 45 mph wind gusts.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, a Blizzard Warning remains in effect from 5 a.m. Sunday until 8 a.m. Tuesday for Chippewa and Mackinac counties. Snow totals between 18 and 34 inches are expected, with winds up to 45 mph producing intense blowing and drifting snow.
Visibility could frequently drop below a quarter mile as snowfall combines with strong winds. These whiteout conditions are expected to persist for long stretches, especially across open highways and rural roads.
Communities including Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, Rudyard, Pickford, and Cedarville will see the heaviest impacts. Major routes such as Interstate 75, M-28, and U.S. 2 could quickly become snow-covered and impassable as drifting snow piles across lanes.
Emergency managers warn that both the Monday morning and Monday evening commutes may be severely affected. Strong winds may also snap tree branches, which could cause isolated power outages.
Residents are urged to avoid travel once the storm intensifies early Sunday. Anyone forced to drive should carry blankets, food, water, and a charged phone in case they become stranded.
Dangerous conditions are expected to continue through Tuesday morning as heavy snow bands and strong winds persist across the eastern Upper Peninsula. Additional updates or advisories may follow as the storm evolves.
