Severe Winter Storm to Shut Down Upper Peninsula Travel by Thursday

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A powerful winter storm is set to slam Michigan's Upper Peninsula on Wednesday, with heavy snow, ice, and wind gusts up to 55 mph expected to make travel nearly impossible across the region by Thursday morning. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Warning, with the most intense conditions targeting Keweenaw and northern Houghton counties where up to 17 inches of snow is possible.

Why it matters

This severe winter storm has the potential to cause widespread disruptions and hazardous travel conditions across the Upper Peninsula, impacting commutes, commerce, and daily life for residents. Power outages are also a concern as heavy snow and high winds could damage trees and power lines.

The details

The storm is forecast to bring 4 to 10 inches of snow and around one-tenth of an inch of ice to Baraga and Marquette counties, with winds gusting up to 40 mph. Farther east, Alger, Luce, Delta and Schoolcraft counties could see 4 to 6 inches of snow and sleet combined with ice accumulations near one-tenth of an inch. The hardest hit areas will be Keweenaw and northern Houghton counties, including Houghton, Hancock and Copper Harbor, where snow totals may reach 8 to 17 inches and winds could gust up to 55 mph.

• The Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for much of the Upper Peninsula, with varying end times.
• Baraga and Marquette counties are under the warning until 7 p.m. Wednesday.
• Alger, Luce, Delta and Schoolcraft counties will see the storm between 1 a.m. and 7 p.m. Wednesday.
• The most intense conditions will target Keweenaw and northern Houghton counties until 7 a.m. Thursday.

What’s next

Residents should delay non-essential travel, keep emergency supplies in vehicles, and prepare for possible power outages as the storm tracks across the region.