Marquette, MI – A powerful winter storm is bearing down on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a Blizzard Warning from 7 a.m. Wednesday through 10 a.m. Thursday for Marquette County.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, 8 to 22 inches of snow are expected across the county, with the heaviest totals in western Marquette County’s higher terrain. Areas near Lake Superior and southern Marquette County will likely see lighter amounts but will still face strong winds and blowing snow.
Forecasters warn that winds could gust as high as 55 mph, especially near the Lake Superior shoreline, creating widespread whiteout conditions and the potential for downed trees and power outages. Officials say travel could become very difficult to impossible, particularly during the Wednesday morning and evening commutes.
The storm is expected to intensify Wednesday morning, with blizzard conditions persisting through early Thursday. Visibility will be sharply reduced in open areas, and drifting snow could make many rural roads impassable.
Residents are urged to avoid travel unless absolutely necessary. According to safety guidance, drivers should carry a winter survival kit and remain with their vehicle if stranded. Local power crews are preparing for potential outages as strong winds batter the region.
Officials advise monitoring weather.gov/Marquette and checking 511mi.gov for road condition updates throughout the storm.
With heavy snow, high winds, and bitter wind chills on the way, meteorologists say this could be one of the strongest early-season blizzards in recent memory for Marquette County.
