MARQUETTE, Mich. (WZMQ) – The national weather service has a winter storm warning in place through
Tuesday across the Upper Peninsula.
As a cold front sweeps across the eastern United States bringing a chill to the Midwest, hazardous driving conditions will begin to affect the U.P.
“Slushy conditions are caused by the ice and the rain,” said Michigan State Police Lt. Mark Giannunzio. “When you’re approaching those areas, don’t slam on your brakes. People have a tendency to do that in those icy slushy areas. If you hit your brakes really hard, it’s going to cause your car to go into a spin, and you’re probably going to lose control.”
Along with taking precautions while driving the Michigan State Police would like to remind motorists to prepare by packing essential items such as water, food, and blankets when traveling long distances or in more remote areas of the Upper Peninsula.
“Flares, jackets, blankets, a way to start your car, a charger, a battery, a way to keep your cell phone charged, all stuff like that you want to have in your vehicle right now,” added Lt. Giannunzio.
As the snow falls inland, Lake Superior is also seeing heavy winds and a visible effect from the storm warning can be seen along the shoreline. The U.S. Coast Guard is keeping a close eye on the conditions on the lake. They warn boaters and anyone near the lake about the danger brought on by the weather conditions.
“The strong winds bring on hazardous waves that could damage or capsize vessels and limit visibility, so we urge everyone who is going to be on our near Lake Superior to exercise great caution,” said Seaman Bursato.