Marquette County Monitors Blizzard Aftermath

Emergency Operations Center addresses snowfall records, flooding concerns, and airport closure

Mar. 18, 2026 at 1:23am

Marquette County's Emergency Operations Center is closely monitoring the aftermath of the March 15-16 blizzard that has set a new local 2-day snowfall record. The EOC is working to address issues like ventilation for gas appliances, generator safety, roof clearing, and potential flooding from the melting snow. The MQT Sawyer Regional Airport remains closed as crews work to clear the area.

Why it matters

The historic snowfall has created significant challenges for Marquette County residents and businesses, requiring a coordinated emergency response to ensure public safety and mitigate the impacts of the blizzard. The EOC's efforts to provide resources and information are crucial for the community's recovery.

The details

The National Weather Service Marquette recorded a new local 2-day snowfall record of 36.3 inches, beating the previous record of 31.9 inches set in March 1997. The EOC is working with the National Weather Service and other partners to predict and respond to the potential flooding from the large amount of accumulated snow. Localized flooding has already been reported in some areas. The MQT Sawyer Regional Airport remains closed while crews work to clear the parking and terminal access.

  • On March 15-16, the blizzard hit Marquette County, setting a new 2-day snowfall record.
  • On Tuesday, March 17, the Marquette County Undersheriff Lowell Larson provided an update on the EOC's response efforts.

The players

Marquette County Emergency Operations Center

The emergency management agency coordinating the response and recovery efforts in Marquette County following the historic blizzard.

Lowell Larson

The Marquette County Undersheriff who provided an update on the EOC's activities at a press conference.

National Weather Service Marquette

The local office of the National Weather Service that recorded the new 2-day snowfall record in Marquette County.

MQT Sawyer Regional Airport

The airport in Marquette County that remains closed due to the blizzard's impact.

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What they’re saying

“This all has to melt, there is a tremendous amount of water volume captured within that snow. The EOC is working with the NWS and other partners to predict and respond to the potential flooding from this extreme amount of snow.”

— Lowell Larson, Marquette County Undersheriff

What’s next

The Marquette County Emergency Operations Center will continue to monitor the situation and provide updates as the snow melts and the potential for flooding remains a concern. The MQT Sawyer Regional Airport is expected to reopen once the necessary clearing work is completed.

The takeaway

The historic blizzard in Marquette County has required a coordinated emergency response to address the significant challenges posed by the record-breaking snowfall. The Marquette County Emergency Operations Center is playing a crucial role in ensuring public safety and guiding the community's recovery efforts.