By Jennifer Champagne
Managing Editor
A powerful winter storm is sweeping across Upper Michigan on Sunday, March 15, forcing widespread shutdowns across the region, closing the Mackinac Bridge, grounding flights at Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport and closing hospitals.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has ordered the closure of all nonessential state office buildings across the Upper Peninsula and parts of northern Lower Michigan through 6 a.m. Tuesday, March 17, as severe winter weather moves through the region. The closure affects all 15 Upper Peninsula counties, including Alger County, and 13 counties in northern Lower Michigan. State officials cited heavy snow, ice and strong winds creating hazardous travel conditions, with the potential for record-breaking snowfall in the U.P. The State Emergency Operations Center in Dimondale was activated Sunday morning to monitor conditions and coordinate response efforts with state agencies, local governments and private partners.
Many local businesses across Alger County have also announced closures, along with the Alger County Courthouse, which will be closed Monday, March 16. Both Marquette County hospitals have closed, offering essential services only.
Altran closed for the remainder of Sunday and BayCare Clinic announced it will be closed Monday, although its emergency department will remain open. School districts across Alger County are all closed Monday, including AuTrain-Onota, Burt Township, Munising, Munising Baptist and Superior Central, which also posted notice of its board meeting being rescheduled.
At Mativ in Munising, mill manager Brian Houghton reported the facility will also be closed on Monday. “We plan to start operations Tuesday morning,” he said.
Some businesses are also adjusting hours, while others are remaining open to assist stranded travelers.
In Chatham, The Pub is open, but announced it will close at 5 p.m. Trenary Tavern is closed and is encouraging patrons to stay home.
In Grand Marais, the Grand Marais Tavern, Lake Superior Brewing Company and The Breakwall and Bayshore Market reported that they remain open.
“A lot of snowmobilers are stuck because of the bridge closure, so we’re going to try our best to stay open,” said Jennifer Williamson, owner of The Breakwall.
Utility interruptions are a concern.
“We’re open unless we lose power and our generator breaks down. Fingers crossed none of that happens,” said Jessica Weaver, owner of Bayshore Market. “We’ll do everything possible to stay open so the town has a lifeline.”
Local officials are urging residents to stay off the roads as conditions worsen.
At 1:51 p.m. Sunday, the Mackinac Bridge Authority announced that the Mackinac Bridge closed to all traffic due to current weather conditions.
Motorists approaching the bridge are being instructed to reduce their speed to 20 miles per hour and be prepared to stop. Bridge personnel are stationed at both sides of the structure to provide instructions while officials monitor conditions at various points along the bridge.
“When conditions improve, the bridge will be reopened to traffic,” the Mackinac Bridge Authority said in a statement.
Travelers heading toward the Straits area are advised to tune in to AM 530 or 1610 for updates.
The storm is also disrupting air travel in the Upper Peninsula. Travelers have reported that flights at Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport are grounded, although airport officials had not confirmed the situation as of Sunday afternoon.
“Flights are canceled today and there is a high likelihood of cancellations tomorrow,” a representative for Marquette Sawyer Regional Airport told the Beacon. “Passengers should contact their airline directly or monitor FlightAware for updates. At this point, we cannot predict Wednesday. Stay safe during the storm.”
Locally, Alger County Administrator Joel Vanderveld confirmed that the Alger County Courthouse will be closed Monday. The closure includes the 11th Circuit Court, the 93rd District Court and county offices housed within the building, including administrative and court-related services.
Emergency responders say the storm is already creating hazardous travel conditions.
“We’re in the storm now,” Alger County Sheriff Todd Brock said. “We’re always prepared for events like this. We deal with the four seasons up here in the U.P., and winter conditions are more challenging for us. But we’re prepared for any situation that could hit us weather-wise.”
Brock said one of the biggest concerns during severe winter storms is the potential for power outages, particularly for residents who rely on electrically powered medical equipment.
“We have people on oxygen, and when the power goes out they may lose that ability,” Brock said. “If that happens, call 9-1-1. We have plans in place with our emergency management program to get people help.”
Emergency coordination during storms runs through Alger County Central Dispatch, which maintains contact with fire departments, EMS and other responding agencies.
“Anytime a fire department goes out on anything, they’re in contact through our office with the main dispatch center,” Brock said. “We’re their lifeline.”
The Alger County Road Commission reported that crews have prepared equipment and are prioritizing snow removal on major routes first.
According to Alger County Road Commission Engineer-Manager Robert Lindbeck, plow operations begin with state highways including M-28, M-94, M-67, M-78 and US-41. Crews will then move to primary roads such as H-13, Eben-Trenary Road and Connors Road before addressing local roads.
Officials warned that plow trucks can significantly reduce visibility due to blowing snow created by the plows themselves.
Drivers who must travel are urged to slow down and ensure they remain in their lane when meeting plow trucks.
“Most residents know the approximate time their road gets plowed each day,” Lindbeck said. “During the upcoming extreme weather event, we may be delayed significantly.”
Authorities say avoiding travel altogether remains the safest option.
“Don’t travel unless you have to,” Brock said. “Let the county road crews and plow drivers do their job.”
Residents are also encouraged to monitor conditions around their homes during heavy snowfall, particularly ensuring heating vents remain clear.
“Stay inside,” Brock said. “Make sure your heating vents are clear of snow and be aware of your surroundings.”
Officials emphasized that residents should call 911 if they experience an emergency during the storm.
“If you need help, call 9-1-1,” Brock said. “That’s the best advice I can give.”
With heavy snowfall and strong winds expected to continue, Brock said the most important advice is simple.
“Stay home unless you have to go out,” he said. “That’s the only way you can truly get into trouble during a storm like this — leaving the safe confines of your home.”
For the latest updates on school closures, business shutdowns and weather-related announcements across the region, readers can visit Upper Michigan’s Source closings page at uppermichiganssource.com/weather/closings. Officials encourage residents to monitor reliable local updates as conditions continue to evolve.