Marquette, Michigan – Bitter Arctic cold and intensifying lake-effect snow are creating dangerous conditions across Michigan’s Upper Peninsula early Tuesday, with the greatest impacts focused along the Keweenaw Peninsula and Lake Superior shoreline.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, hazardous cold continues across the UP as Arctic air and stiff winds push wind chills to dangerous levels this morning. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 10 minutes where wind chills drop toward 30 below zero. Forecasters say a brief moderation is possible Wednesday before colder air returns later in the week and into the weekend.
Blowing and lake-effect snow remain the primary concern over the Keweenaw today, especially from Houghton and Hancock north toward Copper Harbor. Additional snowfall of 3 to 8 inches is expected, with the heaviest bands developing late this afternoon and continuing through tonight. Snowfall rates could briefly reach one inch per hour in heavier bands, while west winds gusting up to 35 mph may reduce visibility to under a half mile at times.
Travel along U.S. 41 and M-26 could become difficult, particularly in open and exposed areas. Officials urge drivers to slow down, carry winter safety kits, and avoid unnecessary travel during periods of blowing snow. Cold and winter weather hazards are expected to persist through midweek, with additional advisories possible as lake-effect snow continues.
