Blizzard — Marquette, Michigan

2026-01-14 · Marquette, Michigan

Event narrative

Visibility down to 1/4 mile at Sawyer Regional Airport ASOS (KSAW) but wind gusts were not reporting. Munising ASOS KP53 reported frequent gusts over 40 mph and as high as 50 mph. Winds were highest over the northern half of Marquette County with the Harvey MDOT reporting frequent gusts over 50 mph and as high as 61 mph. There were many closures including the larger school districts and Northern Michigan University. Forsyth Police Dept reported near zero visibility at M553 and M94 and the township issued a statement to not travel. Key Impacts: Transportation delays.

Wider weather episode

A strong cold front pushed through the U.P. during the morning hours on Jan 14th, associated with a clipper low that passed north of Lake Superior. Strong winds and heavy lake effect snow behind the front brought blizzard conditions to Marquette and Alger Counties. Periods of near blizzard conditions were observed in the Keweenaw Peninsula. Law enforcement reported near zero visibility and the runway at Sawyer Regional Airport was closed. Snowfall amounts of 5 to 10 inches were reported across the northern half of Marquette County.

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1312073. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.