Highways reopen, blizzard warning expires

UPDATE — 6:45 AM Sunday, February 15, 2015 (EST)

RE-OPENED

All major highways that were previously closed due to severe weather conditions in the Upper Peninsula are now re-opened. U.S. 41 from Trenary to Gladstone, and U.S. 41 from Marquette to Harvey between Furnace St. and the Michigan Welcome Center have been available for travel since Saturday afternoon.

M-28 between Munising and the Harvey area opened around 6:00 AM Sunday morning after being closed due to blowing lake effect snow and poor visibility. Improving weather conditions have allowed it to be safely reopened. Road conditions are not perfect for travel, and authorities are reminding travelers to drive safely as low visibility can still be hazardous.

In addition, US 41 is open between US-2 Rapid River and the Marquette County line. Authorities evaluated the Marquette County section of US 41, and provided an update Sunday morning. US-2 from Rapid River to M-94 in Schoolcraft County, US-2/41 between M-35 in Gladstone to US-2 in Rapid River are also open.

WINDCHILL

SUMMARY

MARQUETTE — Hopefully you enjoyed temps in the teens Friday, because we’ll be far from that heading into the weekend. A winter weather advisory has been issued for Ontonagon, Houghton, Baraga, and Northern School Craft counties until 10pm Saturday, and a blizzard warning is in effect for the same times in Marquette and Alger counties.

Blizzard Warning 21316

Arctic air pushes in tonight along with 2 to 4 inches of snow, along with gusty winds creating low visibilities. Lows for the coverage area will fall between 0 to -5 degrees, while winds turn to come out of the northwest at 15 to 25 miles per hour. Saturday, temps will be cooling throughout the afternoon, approaching -5 degrees with light snow continuing.

FORECAST

Also during the day, winds will increase significantly around 25 to 35 miles per hour with gusts close to 40 miles per hour, producing wind chills between -25 to -30 degrees. For this reason, a wind chill advisories will be in effect for Gogebic, Iron, Dickinson, Menominee, Delta, and Southern School Craft counties from 6am Saturday until midnight Saturday evening.

Tonight, brutal wind chills will be a major concern as they drop close to -35 degrees. Air temps will bottom out between -10 to -15 degrees, as winds weaken a bit at 15 to 20 miles per hour. Sunday, it looks as if highs will barely break the 0 degree plateau. Stay warm and please be safe this weekend whenever you’re outside.

7 DAY OUTLOOK

Friday Weather

WARNINGS | ADVISORIES

Blizzard conditions are expected along portions of Lake Superior late this evening through Saturday. The National Weather Service has issued a ‘Blizzard Warning’ now in effect from 1 am to 10 pm EST Saturday.

Hazardous Weather:

Winds will increase out of the northwest this evening behind a strong cold front, with gusts up to 30 mph. Then as winds shift to the north late tonight, winds of 25 to 35 mph with gusts to 45 mph will combine with lake effect snow to produce significant blowing snow and white out conditions along Lake Superior through Saturday afternoon. Inland from Lake Superior, winds will be 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 35 mph late tonight into Saturday.

Blizzard

Low wind chills of 25 to 35 below zero are expected late tonight through Saturday.

Storm Total Snowfall of 4 to 9 inches is expected along Lake Superior by Saturday night, with the heaviest snow occurring late tonight into Saturday morning over eastern Marquette and Western Alger counties. Less than 2 inches of snow is forecast over southwest Marquette County, near witch Lake and Arnold.

OUTSIDE NOW

IMPACTS

Conditions late tonight and Saturday are expected to be worse than what was observed Wednesday night and Thursday. Strong winds will produce significant blowing and drifting snow with frequent White-out conditions late tonight through Saturday. The strongest winds and worst conditions are expected to occur Saturday morning.

Travel will be dangerous, and for locations along Lake Superior, will likely become impossible late tonight through Saturday. Very low wind chills late tonight through Saturday will lead to life threatening conditions for anyone who may become stranded outdoors. Frostbite can occur in as little as 20 minutes on exposed skin with these temperatures.

RECOMMENDED ACTIONS

A Blizzard Warning means severe winter weather conditions are expected or occurring. Falling and blowing snow with strong winds and poor visibilities are likely. Prepare, plan, and stay informed. Visit www.weather.gov/mqt.

Tips from ready.gov

Before: Before winter approaches, add the following supplies to your emergency kit:

  • Rock salt or more environmentally safe products to melt ice on walkways. Visit the Environmental Protection Agency for a complete list of recommended products.
  • Sand to improve traction.
  • Snow shovels and other snow removal equipment.
  • Sufficient heating fuel. You may become isolated in your home and regular fuel sources may be cut off. Store a good supply of dry, seasoned wood for your fireplace or wood-burning stove.
  • Adequate clothing and blankets to keep you warm.

During:

  • Avoid overexertion when shoveling snow. Overexertion can bring on a heart attack – a major cause of death in the winter. If you must shovel snow, stretch before going outside.
  • Keep dry. Change wet clothing frequently to prevent a loss of body heat. Wet clothing loses all of its insulating value and transmits heat rapidly.
  • Watch for signs of frostbite. These include loss of feeling and white or pale appearance in extremities such as fingers, toes, ear lobes, and the tip of the nose. If symptoms are detected, get medical help immediately.
  • Conserve fuel, if necessary, by keeping your residence cooler than normal. Temporarily close off heat to some rooms.

What is a Blizzard Warning?

Issued for winter storms with sustained or frequent winds of 35 mph or higher with considerable falling and/or blowing snow that frequently reduces visibility to 1/4 of a mile or less. These conditions are expected to prevail for a minimum of three hours.