Thanksgiving Weekend Snowstorm Targets Michigan’s Upper Peninsula
A powerful storm system is forecast to slam Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, bringing a rapid plunge in temperatures and a transformation from rain to heavy snow by Tuesday night into Wednesday. The National Weather Service warned residents to brace for significant snowfall totals in favored spots, with the Marquette area potentially recording as much as 37 inches. Snow bands are expected to hammer rural and urban corridors alike, giving the region its first major early-season event of this scale.
Timing and Snow Totals
Forecasters indicate the storm will begin as rain or a wintry mix before colder air moves in and changes the precipitation to heavy snow. By late Tuesday and into Wednesday, snow should become widespread across the peninsula, with the heaviest accumulations likely near Lake Superior due to lake-effect processes. The Marquette region is singled out as a location where totals could approach 1 meter (about 37 inches) with intense snowfall rates during bursts of lake-enhanced snow squalls.
Why the Upper Peninsula is at Risk
Several factors align to produce this powerful event. Cold air rushing southward from Canada mingles with plentiful moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic. In addition, the lake-effect mechanism—where cold air passing over the relatively warmer waters of Lake Superior picks up moisture and dumps it as snow—will amplify snowfall in favored bands. This setup can yield rapidly changing conditions, from slick roads to whiteout conditions in exposed areas.
Impacts to Expect
Residents should prepare for dangerous travel conditions, possible road closures, and rapid changes in visibility. Blizzard-like conditions are unlikely nationwide, but **significant snow accumulations** plus strong gusty winds could create whiteout areas, slippery highways, and stranded motorists. Power outages are a concern when heavy, wet snow accumulates on tree limbs or when wind gusts top 40 to 50 mph in exposed locations. If you rely on heating fuel or electricity, ensure backup plans and fuel supplies are in good shape ahead of the storm’s peak.
Practical Preparations
Experts advise stocking up on essential supplies such as water, non-perishable foods, medications, and a full tank of gas. Charge devices, keep flashlights handy, and have a weather radio available. For travelers, heeding local advisories and delaying trips unless necessary is wise; road crews will be actively treating routes and issuing closures as conditions worsen. Homeowners should clear roofs where safe, trim weak branches, and ensure heat loss is minimized to keep homes warm during extended outages.
What to Expect After the Storm
As temperatures begin to rebound, lingering snow necessitates careful cleanup. Side streets may stay slick for several days, and crews may focus on major corridors first before moving to local streets. Schools and employers could implement delayed openings or closures depending on district policies and road conditions. For many families, Thanksgiving travel plans will require flexibility as plow crews work to restore normal conditions.
Staying Informed
Weather conditions can deteriorate rapidly in the Upper Peninsula. Authorities recommend monitoring local TV and radio outlets, the National Weather Service, and trusted weather apps for real-time warnings and road condition updates. If you must travel, keep a winter emergency kit in your vehicle—blankets, water, snacks, a flashlight, extra clothing, and a charged phone. Heed road advisories and allow for extra travel time on affected routes.
Bottom Line
While not every location will see record-breaking snowfall, the potential for up to 37 inches around Marquette makes this Thanksgiving storm one of the most consequential winter events in years. Preparing now—winterizing homes, stocking supplies, and planning for possible travel disruptions—will help families weather the blizzard conditions with less risk and more peace of mind.
