Marquette, Michigan – Travel across the Keweenaw Peninsula and central Upper Michigan could become treacherous by Tuesday evening as up to 12 inches of snow and wind gusts near 50 mph threaten to shut down major routes through Wednesday evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect from Tuesday evening through Wednesday evening for Keweenaw, northern Houghton, Baraga and Marquette counties. Forecasters expect widespread snowfall totals between 5 and 12 inches, along with a light glaze of ice in some areas. Winds may gust as high as 50 mph over the Keweenaw, producing blowing and drifting snow and sharply reduced visibility.
US-41 from Houghton to Copper Harbor could see near-whiteout conditions at times, while M-28 near Marquette and Baraga may become snow-covered before the Wednesday morning commute. Gusty winds could snap tree limbs and cause isolated power outages, especially in exposed lakeshore communities.
Drivers should delay non-essential travel and prepare for rapidly changing conditions after sunset Tuesday. Keep winter survival supplies in your vehicle and monitor updated statements. Warnings may replace the watch as snowfall rates and wind impacts become more certain.
