UPPER PENINSULA, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Upper Peninsula is under a blizzard warning until 2:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 17. As a result, many schools, businesses, and organizations have shut their doors.
Over the weekend, Governor Gretchen Whitmer closed all nonessential state office buildings in all of the U.P.’s 15 counties.
“Heavy snow, ice, and strong winds are already impacting our northern Michigan communities, making travel unsafe on the roads,” Governor Whitmer said. “… Please stay home and stay safe. We will get through this storm together, as Michiganders always do.”
According to the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD), Governor Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) at 10 a.m. Sunday, March 15. SEOC personnel are monitoring the situation and coordinating with state and local officials, as well as private sector partners, to ensure any resource needs are met.
MSP/EMHSD district coordinators are engaged with local emergency management officials. The SEOC is ready to fulfill any resource requests that may arise. The SEOC, located in Dimondale, serves as the state’s emergency operations center and is overseen by MSP/EMHSD. It assists local governments and state agencies in coordinating response and recovery efforts.
In Marquette, County government offices are closed, and all court hearings and appointments have been canceled. City facilities are also closed, and the City Commission’s March 16 work session and meeting will be rescheduled.
In Escanaba, the City Hall and Public Library are also closed for the day. While travel is not advised, Escanaba Public Safety and Public Works ask motorists going downtown not to use the angled parking on Ludington Street, giving plows enough room to pass through.
Stay with WZMQ 19 News for updates throughout the duration of the blizzard.
