MARQUETTE, MI – A powerful storm system is expected to enter Michigan’s Upper Peninsula today, packing plunging temperatures that will change the widespread rain into snow by later Tuesday and early Wednesday.
And that snow is really forecast to stack up. Some areas could see 37 inches – more than 3 feet – of snow between late Tuesday and late Thursday, the National Weather Service said.
High winds will whip this snow around, dropping visibility on the roads and making travel difficult on Wednesday and Thursday.
Winter Storm Watches now blanket this area of the western and central Upper Peninsula. While the entire state will feel the impacts of this Thanksgiving storm system, the Upper Peninsula will see the highest snowfall totals. Some of the snow tallies being forecast:
Ironwood: 23 to 37 inches
Houghton: 16 to 26 inches
Copper Harbor: 14 to 24 inches
Munising: 11 to 17 inches
High snowfall totals are expected across the Upper Peninsula between late Tuesday and Thursday.Graphic provided by the National Weather Service
National Weather Service meteorologists in Marquette put together a packet of forecast information on the incoming storm. Here are some of the highlights:
- Rain is expected to expand over the Upper Peninsula on Tuesday before changing to snow in the western U.P. by Tuesday night. Elsewhere, rain will change over to snow on Wednesday.
- Snowfall rates in the U.P. could reach 1 to 2 inches per hour.
- By Wednesday, the snow will transition to lake-effect snow, which means it will be blown inland across the northwestern U.P. snowbelts. These snow showers are expected to continue through Thursday and increase as the wind gusts become stronger.
- Heavy snow will be paired with winds strong enough to bring down tree limbs and cause power outages.
- Winds in excess of 40 mph will whip up the snow and create “significant visibility reductions” for motorists.
When storms are forecast, check the details before you leave and have an emergency pack in your vehicle.Graphic provided by the National Weather Service
“Heavy snow and strong winds will impact Upper Michigan Wednesday and Thursday,” the NWS said. “Those with travel plans Wednesday or Thursday should adjust their plans in order to avoid traveling these days.”
“Snowfall rates of 1-2 inches per hour are most likely Tuesday night into Wednesday across the west half, especially along the Spine of the Keweenaw. Snowfall totals in excess of a foot are expected in the western UP. Strong winds, in excess of 40 mph, in the higher terrain of western Upper Michigan and by Lake Superior will also result in significant visibility reductions. Power outages and downed trees are possible.”
