Marquette, MI – A strong thunderstorm with pea-size hail and gusty winds will impact east-central Marquette and west-central Alger counties through 6 a.m. EDT Wednesday, raising travel concerns and the risk of minor damage.
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, Doppler radar tracked the storm over Negaunee and Ishpeming around 5 a.m., moving east at 30 mph. Wind gusts up to 40 mph and hail have been reported, with the potential for damage to vegetation and slippery roads.
Localized flooding remains a concern through early next week as recent rainfall and snowmelt push rivers above flood stage. The Chocolay River near Harvey is under a Flood Advisory until further notice. As of Tuesday evening, water levels topped 9.6 feet—well over the 8.5-foot action stage—flooding parking areas near the M-28 bridge and threatening riverside roads.
Travelers should expect patchy fog across the region this morning, and minor ponding on roads, especially in low-lying areas. Avoid walking near swollen riverbanks and seek shelter indoors during storms.
Storm chances will taper off Wednesday afternoon, but additional rain is likely Thursday night into Friday. A full five-day outlook follows:
Wednesday: High 61°F – Chance of afternoon showers
Thursday: High 49°F – Partly sunny
Friday: High 43°F – Showers likely
Saturday: High 49°F – Sunny
Sunday: High 60°F – Partly sunny
