Powerful Storm Slams Upper Midwest, Sets Snowfall Records

Blizzard conditions and heavy snow hit the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and northern Wisconsin over the weekend.

Mar. 19, 2026 at 12:00am

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A multi-day snow system brought heavy snowfall, high winds, and whiteout conditions to the Northwoods region over the past weekend. The storm set a new two-day snowfall record of 37.6 inches at the Negaunee weather station in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Travel was treacherous, with highways completely covered in snow and impassable, leading officials to advise against all but essential driving.

Why it matters

Powerful winter storms like this one can cause significant disruptions to transportation, infrastructure, and daily life in the affected regions. The record-breaking snowfall and dangerous conditions highlight the challenges communities in the Upper Midwest face during severe winter weather events, which are expected to become more frequent and intense due to climate change.

The details

The storm system brought 11 to 14 inches of snow to the Ironwood area, but the central Upper Peninsula saw even heavier accumulations. The Negaunee weather station recorded 37.6 inches of snow over a two-day period, setting a new record. Winds reached up to 69 mph in Grand Marais, creating classic whiteout conditions with visibility less than a quarter-mile. Authorities warned that travel was treacherous and potentially life-threatening, leading Wisconsin's Department of Transportation to advise against all but essential driving in the affected region.

  • The storm system hit the Northwoods region over the weekend of March 15-16, 2026.
  • Schools in the area were closed on the previous Friday, March 14, 2026, due to a separate weather system.
  • The record-breaking snowfall of 37.6 inches was recorded at the Negaunee weather station over the two-day period of March 15-16, 2026.

The players

Chris Burling

A meteorologist with the Marquette National Weather Service.

Wisconsin Department of Transportation

The state transportation agency that issued a warning against all but essential driving due to the dangerous conditions.

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What they’re saying

“We do see these types of snow storms in March, but this particular storm rivaled and surpassed storms of its kind.”

— Chris Burling, Meteorologist

“Travel will be treacherous and potentially life-threatening.”

— Marquette National Weather Service

“Travel is not advised in the Wisconsin Department of Transportation's North Central Region as all highways are completely covered with snow or impassable, and more snow is expected throughout the day.”

— Wisconsin Department of Transportation

What’s next

Meteorologists expect a few smaller storm systems to move through the Upper Midwest in the coming weeks, but none are anticipated to bring snowfall comparable to the record-breaking levels seen over the past weekend.

The takeaway

This powerful winter storm underscores the challenges communities in the Upper Midwest face during severe weather events, which are expected to become more frequent and intense due to climate change. The record-breaking snowfall and dangerous conditions highlight the need for robust emergency preparedness and resilience planning to protect public safety and critical infrastructure in the region.