Marquette, Michigan – A high-impact winter storm is increasingly likely to affect Upper Michigan from Wednesday, Jan. 14, through Friday, Jan. 17, with the greatest risk for severe winter weather centered near Marquette and communities along Lake Superior.
According to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center, severe winter storm probabilities near Marquette and the central Upper Peninsula are as high as 70 percent, placing the region among the most likely areas to see significant impacts. The storm system is expected to track through the Great Lakes while drawing colder air across Lake Superior, creating favorable conditions for heavy, lake-enhanced snowfall.
The most dangerous travel conditions are expected along U.S. Route 41, M-28, and surrounding county roads, where periods of heavy snow and gusty winds could lead to rapidly deteriorating visibility and snow-covered pavement. Lake-effect snow bands may persist for hours at a time, especially during overnight and early morning periods, making travel difficult or impossible at times.
Communities including Marquette, Negaunee, Ishpeming, Munising, and Gwinn could see prolonged snowfall, with locally higher totals in areas favored by northwest flow off Lake Superior. Blowing and drifting snow is likely in open areas, while shoreline locations may experience sharply reduced visibility.
Officials urge residents to prepare now by limiting non-essential travel later this week, ensuring vehicles are winter-ready, and monitoring updates from MDOT and local emergency management. Power disruptions are possible if heavy snow combines with gusty winds.
Forecast confidence is high that Upper Michigan will experience significant winter weather impacts. Winter storm watches, advisories, or warnings are likely to be issued as snowfall intensity and timing become clearer over the next couple of days.
