Blizzard Conditions Hit Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as Storm Drops Up to 3 Feet of Snow Before Thanksgiving

A powerful winter storm has slammed into Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, turning roads into whiteout nightmares and threatening to bury communities under nearly three feet of snow before Thanksgiving. The National Weather Service issued a rare blizzard warning for five counties — Baraga, Gogebic, Marquette, Houghton, and Ontonagon — where wind gusts of up to 55 mph are whipping snow into near-zero visibility. By Thursday morning, November 27, 2025, some areas could see 29 inches of snow. By Saturday, November 29, totals may climb to 36 inches — the most severe pre-Thanksgiving snowfall in decades.

What’s Driving This Storm?

This isn’t just another cold snap. It’s a fast-moving cyclone churning across the Great Lakes, pulling moisture from the still-warm waters of Lake Superior and dumping it onto the leeward shores of the Upper Peninsula. The phenomenon — known as lake-effect snow — becomes extreme when cold air, typically from Canada, sweeps over unfrozen lake water. The result? Snow bands that can intensify in minutes, like a snow machine turned up to eleven.

"It’s the perfect storm setup," said Dr. Lena Ruiz, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in White Lake Township. "We’ve got a deep low pressure system moving northeast, winds aligned perfectly with the lake’s long axis, and water temperatures still near 50 degrees. That’s a recipe for historic accumulation."

What makes this event especially dangerous is the timing. Thanksgiving travel peaks Wednesday evening and Thursday morning — exactly when visibility will be worst. The National Weather Service warned: "Travel could become very challenging to impossible." Many highways, including US-41 and M-28, are already slick with snow and drifting. State troopers reported over 120 minor crashes by midday Wednesday.

Who’s on the Ground — and What They’re Seeing

While the federal agency issues warnings, it’s local groups like the Michigan Storm Chasers that keep residents informed in real time. Founded in 2022, this grassroots weather team has built a loyal following of nearly 500,000 Michiganders across YouTube, Facebook, X, and Twitch. On November 25, they went live for over 14 hours straight, broadcasting live feeds from snow-laden rooftops in Houghton and Marquette.

"We’ve seen snowfall rates of 4 inches per hour in places like L’Anse," said James Delaney, MSC’s lead field reporter. "People are seeing their driveways disappear in 20 minutes. And the wind? It’s not just blowing snow — it’s throwing it sideways."

Their live cameras captured a truck flipping on M-117 near Baraga County just after 8 p.m. Wednesday — no serious injuries, but the vehicle was buried up to its roof. "We’ve had calls from families trapped in homes without power," Delaney added. "We’re coordinating with local fire departments to deliver food and blankets to isolated cabins."

What This Means for Thanksgiving

For the millions planning to travel to family gatherings, this storm is a nightmare. The National Weather Service expects lake-effect snow to linger through Sunday, meaning holiday dinners could be delayed — or canceled — in the UP. Schools in Marquette and Houghton County closed early on Wednesday. Some churches canceled Thanksgiving services.

"I was supposed to drive from Grand Rapids to Houghton for dinner," said Carolyn Moore, a 58-year-old retiree. "Now I’m staying put. I’d rather eat turkey alone than risk getting stuck in a snowdrift with my grandchildren."

Even in areas not under blizzard warnings — like Traverse City and Cadillac — snow totals of 12 to 18 inches are expected, with wind gusts over 40 mph. The National Weather Service extended winter weather advisories through Friday evening in northern Lower Michigan.

Historical Context: Is This Unprecedented?

While Michigan regularly sees heavy snow, this storm ranks among the top five pre-Thanksgiving events since 1990. The last comparable storm hit in 2014, when 31 inches fell in Marquette over 48 hours. This year’s storm could surpass that — especially in the western UP, where snowfall rates have exceeded 3 inches per hour for over 12 consecutive hours.

"We’ve had blizzards before," said Dr. Alan Kessler, a climatologist at Michigan Tech University. "But this one is different. The wind is stronger, the lake is warmer, and the timing is worse. We’re not just talking about inconvenience. We’re talking about life-threatening conditions."

Power outages are already reported in over 12,000 homes across the UP. DTE Energy and Consumers Energy have deployed extra crews, but many rural roads are impassable. Emergency managers are urging residents to stay indoors, charge devices, and keep at least three days’ worth of supplies.

What’s Next?

The storm is expected to weaken by Sunday, but lingering snow showers and wind gusts will persist through Monday. Temperatures will remain below freezing until December 3. The National Weather Service says the next system could arrive by December 5 — another potential snowmaker.

For now, the focus is on safety. The Michigan Department of Transportation has deployed over 400 plows and 1,200 tons of salt. But with snow falling faster than crews can clear, many drivers are being told: "Don’t go."