Upper Michigan – Hazardous early-morning travel conditions continue across parts of central Upper Michigan as a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect through Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, the advisory covers Alger, Luce, Northern Schoolcraft, and Southern Schoolcraft counties and is scheduled to expire at 7 a.m. EST. The alert addresses ongoing lake effect snow and blowing snow, with additional accumulations of up to 2 inches expected before conditions gradually improve.
Wind gusts are reaching up to 35 miles per hour, contributing to blowing snow and visibility reductions to one-half mile or less in heavier snow bands. The National Weather Service cautions that conditions may vary significantly over short distances, a common feature of lake effect snow events.
Travel impacts are most likely along U.S. Highway 41, U.S. Highway 2, M-28, and secondary rural roads connecting communities such as Newberry, Grand Marais, Munising, Manistique, and Seney. Slippery road surfaces and sudden drops in visibility may develop quickly, especially in open areas exposed to stronger winds.
Motorists traveling early Saturday are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and allow extra travel time. Snow-covered roadways and brief whiteout conditions are possible where snow bands intensify.
The advisory highlights that lake effect snow can produce localized bursts of heavier snowfall, while nearby areas may see little to no snow. Drivers should be prepared for rapid changes in road and visibility conditions, even over a few miles.
For commuters, students, and early-shift workers, the most hazardous conditions are expected before sunrise, with gradual improvement after the advisory expires later this morning.
Residents are encouraged to monitor local conditions and follow guidance from transportation and emergency officials as snow showers taper off.
