MARQUETTE, MICHIGAN — A powerful blizzard setup is taking aim at the Upper Great Lakes, with forecast models indicating extreme snowfall totals across parts of Michigan and Wisconsin through Tuesday night — while Chicago, Illinois remains largely on the lower end of the accumulation spectrum.
The latest American model snow output paints a dramatic contrast across the region, with some communities facing more than 3 feet of snow.
Upper Peninsula of Michigan in the Bullseye
The heaviest snowfall axis centers on Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, particularly around:
- Marquette, Michigan: 36–42 inches
- Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan: 36–42 inches
- Iron Mountain, Michigan: 30–36 inches
Localized amounts could exceed 40 inches where persistent lake enhancement develops.
These totals would easily meet blizzard criteria when combined with strong winds, producing whiteout conditions and significant travel disruptions.
Northern Wisconsin and Minnesota Also Facing Major Totals
The storm’s western flank stretches into northern Wisconsin and eastern Minnesota, where widespread heavy snow is projected:
- Ironwood, Michigan: 24–30 inches
- Eau Claire, Wisconsin: 24–30 inches
- Minneapolis, Minnesota: 24–30 inches
- Green Bay, Wisconsin: 18–24 inches
- La Crosse, Wisconsin: 12–18 inches
In portions of northern Wisconsin and the western Upper Peninsula, snowfall over 30 inches is possible where banding sets up.
Moderate Totals for Northern Lower Michigan
Northern Lower Michigan is also expected to see impactful snowfall, though not at the extreme levels of the Upper Peninsula:
- Traverse City, Michigan: 10–12 inches
- Saginaw, Michigan: 2–3 inches
- Grand Rapids, Michigan: 2–3 inches
Snowfall quickly tapers south and east of the heaviest band.
Sharp Drop-Off Toward Illinois and Southeast Michigan
While areas to the north brace for feet of snow, Chicago, Illinois appears largely spared from the brunt of the storm.
- Chicago, Illinois: 1–2 inches
- Milwaukee, Wisconsin: 3–4 inches
- Detroit, Michigan: Around 1 inch
The gradient in snowfall is steep, with heavy accumulation focused north of Lake Michigan and Lake Superior.
Blizzard Conditions Likely in the Upper Great Lakes
With snowfall totals exceeding 30 inches in several zones and winds expected to increase, blizzard conditions are likely across:
- Marquette, Michigan
- Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan
- Iron Mountain, Michigan
Heavy snow combined with strong winds could create:
- Near-zero visibility
- Drifting snow
- Hazardous to impossible travel
- Potential power disruptions
Why the Totals Are So Extreme
The setup favors prolonged deformation banding and lake-enhanced snowfall, particularly near Lake Superior. Cold air wrapping into the system will help maintain high snow ratios, increasing accumulation efficiency…