Massive Snowstorm Buries Schools Across Michigan's Upper Peninsula

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A massive snowstorm that hit Michigan's Upper Peninsula from March 15-17 dumped over 4 feet of snow in some areas, burying schools and homes and leaving communities scrambling to dig out. Several schools were practically buried under the heavy snowfall, with volunteers having to shovel out the Mackinac Island Public School. The storm set new snowfall records, with the Marquette area receiving over 36 inches, shattering the previous March record.

Why it matters

The extreme snowfall in Michigan's Upper Peninsula highlights the challenges that rural and remote communities can face during severe winter weather events. With schools and homes buried, residents had to work together to clear paths and restore access, underscoring the importance of emergency preparedness and resilience in the face of such natural disasters.

The details

The March 15-17 snowstorm dumped an incredible 52 inches, over 4 feet, of snow near Round Lake in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Other notable totals included 52 inches in Wetmore, 48.5 inches in Cusino Lake and Shingleton, 45 inches in Herman, and 42.5 inches in Forest Lake. The Marquette area recorded 36.3 inches, shattering the previous March record of 31.9 inches set in 1997. Even areas in the Lower Peninsula, like Cheboygan, saw 30 inches of snow. The heavy snowfall buried several homes, businesses, and schools, requiring volunteers to dig out facilities like the Mackinac Island Public School.

• The snowstorm hit Michigan's Upper Peninsula from March 15-17, 2026.
• The Marquette area set a new March snowfall record on March 16, 2026.

What’s next

As communities in Michigan's Upper Peninsula continue to dig out from the historic snowfall, officials will likely assess the damage and determine what resources are needed to restore normalcy and support residents affected by the storm.