Marquette, Michigan – Drivers across the Upper Peninsula should prepare for icy roads by late afternoon Monday as freezing rain develops ahead of the evening commute, creating hazardous travel conditions that may last into early Tuesday.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, Winter Weather Advisories are in effect beginning between 3 and 4 p.m. Monday for much of the U.P., including Alger, Schoolcraft, Luce, Baraga, Marquette, Delta, Iron, Dickinson, and Menominee counties. Ice accumulations up to one tenth of an inch are expected, with snowfall totals generally ranging from 1 to 3 inches as precipitation transitions from freezing rain to wet snow overnight.
The highest ice risk is expected west of Munising, south of Marquette, and across parts of Delta, Dickinson, and Menominee counties. Untreated roads and already snow-packed secondary routes in Manistique, Escanaba, Iron Mountain, Menominee, and Newberry are likely to become slick quickly, especially on bridges and overpasses. Conditions may deteriorate rapidly during the Monday evening commute and remain hazardous into the Tuesday morning drive in eastern counties.
MDOT crews are expected to treat major highways, but officials urge motorists to slow down, increase following distance, and avoid unnecessary travel during peak icing periods. Pedestrians should also watch for icy sidewalks and driveways.
Freezing rain diminishes overnight as snow becomes dominant, with advisories expiring between midnight and 7 a.m. Tuesday. Additional updates are possible if ice accumulation increases or travel conditions worsen.
