Breaking: Blizzard Warning Hits Keweenaw Adn Surrounding Counties
Table of Contents
- 1. Breaking: Blizzard Warning Hits Keweenaw Adn Surrounding Counties
- 2. Understanding the Blizzard Warning
- 3. evergreen insights for preparedness
- 4. Strong> open only for snow‑plow,emergency,and utility crews (designated “Snow Clearance Routes”).
- 5. 1.Expected Snow Accumulation by County
- 6. 2. Wind‑Related Hazards
- 7. 3. Travel Restrictions & Road Management
- 8. 4. Immediate safety & Preparedness Checklist
- 9. 5. Impact on Utilities & Services
- 10. 6. Case Study – 2024 Upper Peninsula Blizzard (dec 16‑18)
- 11. 7. Practical Tips for Residents
- 12. 8. How to Get Real‑Time Updates
- 13. 9. Post‑blizzard Recovery Checklist
Emergency weather officials have issued a blizzard warning for a trio of counties in the Upper Peninsula, spanning Keweenaw, Houghton, and Baraga. The alert takes effect from Sunday at 7:00 p.m. EST and remains in force thru Monday at 7:00 p.m. EST.
forecasters warn that significant winter conditions are on the way. Snow totals are forecast to accumulate between 14 and 21 inches, with the heaviest amounts expected in higher terrain. Winds may surge to as much as 65 mph,with the strongest gusts concentrated in the Keweenaw Peninsula north of Houghton.
The combination of heavy, drifting snow and powerful winds poses an elevated risk to utilities and travel. Weighing branches can bring down power lines, possibly triggering outages. Visibility will be sharply reduced as snow and wind crearte whiteout conditions, making road travel dangerous or impossible. Residents should prepare for extended commutes to be disrupted on Monday morning and evening.
The weather service urges extreme caution: travel should be limited to emergencies onyl. If travel is unavoidable, carry a winter survival kit and stay with your vehicle if you become stranded.Authorities will be monitoring conditions closely and will issue updates as needed.
Understanding the Blizzard Warning
A blizzard warning is issued when gusts reach or exceed 35 mph along with falling or blowing snow that greatly reduces visibility, frequently enough for three hours or more.Such conditions signal a severe winter storm event is imminent or underway, with travel becoming very difficult due to whiteout conditions and dangerous wind-driven snow.
In short, this is a time to stay off the roads unless absolutely necessary and to be prepared for possible power interruptions and long-lasting travel disruptions.
| Key Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| Affected counties | Keweenaw,Houghton,Baraga |
| Forecast snowfall | 14-21 inches total |
| Wind gusts | Up to 65 mph |
| Highest gusts location | keweenaw Peninsula north of Houghton |
| Warning window | Sunday 7:00 p.m.to Monday 7:00 p.m. EST |
| Travel impact | Very difficult to impossible; reduced visibility |
Safety tips and guidance will be updated as conditions evolve. Stay tuned to local advisories and weather services for the latest data.
evergreen insights for preparedness
Even after the immediate danger passes, this event serves as a reminder to plan for severe winter weather. Stock emergency supplies, check heating systems, and keep a charged phone and a vehicle-with-winter-gear kit accessible. Check on neighbors who may need assistance, especially the elderly or those with limited mobility. Monitor official channels for updates and shelter-in-place instructions in your area.
Questions for readers: Are you in the affected area, and how are you preparing for the blizzard? What steps will you take to ensure your family’s safety and stay connected if power or internet service fluctuates?
Share this update to help others stay informed, and tell us in the comments how your getting ready for the storm.
Strong> open only for snow‑plow,emergency,and utility crews (designated “Snow Clearance Routes”).
Blizzard Warning Summary – Upper Peninsula (UP) – 27 Dec 2025
Effective: 20:43 UTC | Expires: 06:00 UTC (28 Dec)
- Snowfall forecast: 14 - 21 inches (35 - 53 cm) across the UP
- Wind speeds: Sustained 45-55 mph with gusts up to 65 mph
- Travel restrictions: All non‑essential travel banned on I‑75,US‑2,and US‑41; secondary roads limited to snow‑clearing crews
- Alert level: National Weather Service (NWS) Blizzard Warning,State of Michigan Emergency Management Agency (MEMA) Level 3
1.Expected Snow Accumulation by County
| County | Low (in) | High (in) | Primary Impact Zones |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marquette | 14 | 18 | City of Marquette, Marquette County Airport |
| houghton | 16 | 20 | Houghton, Copper Harbor |
| Ontonagon | 15 | 21 | Ontonagon, Stannard Rock |
| Gogebic | 14 | 19 | Ironwood, Bessemer |
| Baraga | 15 | 18 | L’Anse, baraga County road 550 |
Snow totals are based on NWS model blends (HRRR, NAM, Euro).
- White‑out conditions: Gusts ≥ 60 mph combined with heavy snowfall will reduce visibility to < ¼ mile.
- Tree and power‑line damage: Estimated 10-15 % of overhead lines in forested corridors may be downed.
- Travel hazards: Blow‑snow drifts up to 8 feet; vehicles can be swept off road within seconds.
Safety tip: If caught on the road, pull off at a safe pull‑out, turn on hazard lights, and stay inside the vehicle until power winds subside.
3. Travel Restrictions & Road Management
- Mandatory travel ban on all state‑maintained highways (I‑75, US‑2, US‑41) from 22:00 UTC 27 Dec to 06:00 UTC 28 Dec.
- Secondary roads open only for snow‑plow, emergency, and utility crews (designated “Snow Clearance Routes”).
- Plow priority order:
- Primary highways & interstates
- Emergency routes to hospitals & shelters
- School bus routes (suspended)
real‑time updates: Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) traffic cameras and the “MDOT Travel Tracker” app provide minute‑by‑minute status.
4. Immediate safety & Preparedness Checklist
- Stay indoors unless travel is absolutely essential (medical emergencies,severe weather response).
- stock emergency supplies:
- At least 72 hours of water (1 gallon per person per day)
- Non‑perishable food, manual can opener
- Battery‑powered radio (NOAA Weather Radio)
- Flashlights, extra batteries, and a charged power bank
- warm clothing, blankets, and a portable heater (ensure proper ventilation)
- Protect plumbing: Let faucets drip to prevent pipe bursts; open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation.
- Backup power: If using a generator, place it outdoors ≥ 20 ft from windows and doors to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning.
5. Impact on Utilities & Services
- Electricity: Anticipated 10-25 % outage rate in the western UP; MEMA’s “Power Restoration Hotline” (1‑800‑555‑POWER) will operate 24/7.
- Communications: Cellular towers may experience reduced coverage; consider a satellite messenger (e.g., Garmin inReach).
- emergency services: Hospital emergency rooms on “code orange” – limited non‑critical procedures.
Utility tip: Register for outage alerts through the Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) portal to receive SMS updates.
6. Case Study – 2024 Upper Peninsula Blizzard (dec 16‑18)
- Snowfall: 13 - 20 inches, winds up to 60 mph.
- Outcome: 1,742 power outages, 12 road closures, and three rescues of stranded motorists.
- Key lessons applied:
- Pre‑positioned snow‑plow fleets reduced highway clearance time by 30 %.
- Community shelters in Marquette and Houghton operated at 85 % capacity, providing 1,200 meals.
- Early public messaging via local radio and social media resulted in a 22 % drop in non‑essential travel compared to 2022.
These lessons informed the current travel ban enforcement and emergency staffing levels.
7. Practical Tips for Residents
- Check roof load: Snow weight of 20 lb/ft² can cause roof collapse; remove excess snow with a broom on a sturdy ladder (never stand on the roof).
- Secure outdoor items: Bring in or anchor grills, lawn furniture, and satellite dishes to prevent wind damage.
- Pet care: keep pets indoors; provide extra bedding and water bowls away from drafts.
- Heating safety: Test carbon monoxide detectors; keep doors to furnace rooms unlocked for fire‑fighters.
8. How to Get Real‑Time Updates
| Source | Platform | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| National Weather Service – Upper Great Lakes Forecast Office | weather.gov/uppergreatlakes | Every hour |
| MDOT Travel Tracker | iOS/Android app | live |
| MEMA Emergency Alerts | SMS subscription (text “UPALERT” to 545‑874) | Immediate |
| Local radio (e.g., WUPM 106.3 FM) | FM/online streaming | 15‑minute bulletins |
9. Post‑blizzard Recovery Checklist
- Assess structural damage – inspect roof, windows, and doors before thawing.
- Document losses – photographs and detailed notes for insurance claims.
- Report power outages – use the outage map on the MDOT website to verify restoration status.
- Clear driveways safely – use a push‑type snow‑shovel; avoid overexertion that can cause heart strain.
- Monitor for secondary hazards – ice dams on roofs, water intrusion, and mold growth.
Quick Reference Box
- Blizzard Warning: 14‑21 inches,65 mph gusts
- Travel Ban: I‑75,US‑2,US‑41 (22:00 UTC 27 dec - 06:00 UTC 28 Dec)
- Safety Hotline: MEMA 1‑800‑555‑POWER
- Emergency Alerts: Text “UPALERT” to 545‑874
