U.P. under Winter Storm Watch until Tuesday

NEGAUNEE TOWNSHIP — Welcome to winter! The winter storm blanketing northern portions of the country with heavy snow, has already brought accumulating snows here.  Much more is on the way throughout the day, as we expect an additional 4-8 inches across the region.

Lows will bottom out in the mid and upper 20s, while winds will continue out of the northeast at 10 to 20 miles per hour.  Today, temps will drop during the afternoon, as snow keeps falling.  Get ready for another 6-10 inches, with visibilities below a mile.  Highs will top off in the mid and upper 20s, while blustery north winds zip at 20 to 25 miles per hour.

Tonight, the arctic air will blast in, as the cold front sweeps through bringing another 2-4 inches of snow.  Lows will drop to the upper teens, as winds shift out of the northwest at 15 to 25 miles per hour.  Lake-effect snow picks up on Wednesday, as the frigid air settles into place.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for all counties in the Upper Peninsula.

The Winter Storm Watch is effective until 7:12 Tuesday.

The Upper Peninsula could see hazardous weather; snow is expected to develop by Monday afternoon through Tuesday evening.  Some areas of the U.P. could see six inches or more of snow by Tuesday.

Snow will develop by this afternoon and become heavy by this evening. The snow will fall heavy at times into Wednesday morning. There will also be some blowing snow, especially in open areas near Lake Superior.

Widespread heavy snow over a long duration is expected. Storm total snowfall of at least one foot is expected, including along the shore at Big Bay, Marquette, Munising, and Grand Marais. The most snow will occurs over the higher terrain of Marquette County, including the Huron Mountains, Ishpeming, Negaunee, and Gwinn, where totals up to two feet are expected.

Travel will become difficult due to heavy snow, snow covered roads, and blowing snow. The afternoon commute today, and both Tuesday commutes have the highest probability of being affected. Travel may become treacherous or impossible during the periods of heaviest snow.

Sporadic power outages may occur due to the heavy snow and strong winds.

Large waves on Lake Superior will lead to minor lake-shore flooding and beach erosion tonight through Tuesday.

A winter storm warning for heavy snow and blowing snow means severe winter weather conditions are expected. Significant amounts of snow, along with widespread blowing snow, are forecast that will make travel dangerous.