Winter Weather — Northern Houghton, Michigan

2026-01-14 · Northern Houghton, Michigan

Event narrative

Houghton County Airport (KCMX) reported visibility of 1/4 mile for over 3 hours as heavy lake effect snow moved through the Keweenaw resulting in near-blizzard conditions. Winds gusted as high as 49 mph. 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 1312080. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.