Keweenaw Report Your Source for Local News and Sports
Revised 6 a.m. 10/17 to reflect lower anticipated snowfall totals.
The first winter storm of the season is arriving in the Copper Country.
Forecasters at the National Weather Service have issued a Winter Storm Warning for Houghton, Baraga and Ontonagon Counties. Keweenaw County is under a Winter Weather Advisory.
The good news is that it appears temperatures will hold a little higher than originally expected. That means more rain, and less snow. Snowfall totals have been revised downward, Houghton, Keweenaw, Ontonagon and western Baraga Counties can still expect up to four inches… with up to 10 inches over the Huron Mountains… and 16 inches possible in the Michigamme highlands.
Totals will be lowest near the lakeshore, where slightly warmer temperatures could cause the snow to mix with rain.
Northerly winds could gust to 50 miles per hour near the lakeshore, and 35 miles per hour inland. That, combined with the heavy wet snow, could bring down some tree limbs and power lines. A Lakeshore Flood Advisory has also been posted for Keweenaw County.
Driving is expected to be challenging, and motorists are urged to use caution as we remember how to deal with slippery roads. Remember that wet leaves on the pavement can be as slippery as ice.
