Upper Michigan – Winter Weather Advisories are in effect across large portions of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as a strong winter system brings accumulating snow, gusty winds, and hazardous travel conditions from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening.
Meteorologists say the combination of steady snowfall and strong winds will likely lead to reduced visibility, blowing and drifting snow, and slick roadways, particularly on exposed highways and rural routes.
Advisory Areas and Timing
According to the National Weather Service in Marquette, Alger, Luce, and northern Schoolcraft counties are under a Winter Weather Advisory from 7 p.m. Friday through 7 p.m. Saturday.
Forecasters expect snowfall totals up to 8 inches, especially north of M-28 east of Munising and northwest of Newberry. Elsewhere in these counties, snow accumulations are forecast to range between 1 and 3 inches. Wind gusts reaching 35 mph may cause areas of blowing and drifting snow, further complicating travel conditions.
A separate Winter Weather Advisory is in effect for Keweenaw, Ontonagon, and northern Houghton counties from 1 p.m. Friday through 7 a.m. Saturday. Snowfall totals in this region are expected to range from 1 to 7 inches, with the highest amounts likely north of Houghton along US-41 and between Houghton and Greenland along M-26.
Wind gusts in these areas could reach 40 mph, creating patchy blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility, particularly in open areas near Lake Superior.
Communities Expected to Be Impacted
The advisory areas include several Upper Peninsula communities where travel conditions may deteriorate rapidly during heavier snow bands. Impacted locations include:
Munising, Grand Marais, Newberry, Seney, Hancock, Houghton, Ontonagon, and Copper Harbor
Drivers traveling between communities should be prepared for changing road conditions, especially as winds increase and snow begins to drift across roadways.
Travel Impacts and Safety Concerns
The National Weather Service warns that the timing of this system could significantly impact the Friday evening commute as well as early Saturday travel. Blowing snow may quickly reduce visibility, making it difficult to see road markings, vehicles ahead, or potential hazards.
Even after snowfall begins to taper off, drifting snow and slick road surfaces may continue to cause problems into Saturday afternoon and evening. Rural roads and less-traveled highways are expected to be especially vulnerable.
Officials caution that travel may become very difficult at times, particularly on north–south oriented roads where winds can push snow across lanes and create sudden whiteout conditions.
What Drivers Should Expect
Motorists across the Upper Peninsula are urged to take precautions if travel is necessary. Conditions may change quickly, especially in lake-enhanced snow bands near Lake Superior. Visibility could drop suddenly, and untreated roads may become icy.
Drivers should slow down, increase following distance, and allow extra time to reach their destinations. Emergency supplies such as blankets, flashlights, food, and fully charged phones are recommended for anyone traveling longer distances during the advisory period.
Ongoing Monitoring and Updates
Weather officials continue to monitor the system as it moves across the region. Snowfall totals may vary significantly over short distances due to wind direction and localized lake effects, making forecasts subject to change.
Residents and travelers are encouraged to stay informed through official weather updates and local road condition reports as the storm evolves.
If you’re in an affected area, share how conditions are impacting your travel or community in the comments below.
