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Snow, cold to stick around

Garrett Neese/Daily Mining Gazette A snowmobiler rides past the Portage Lake District Library Friday. Snowstorms Thursday dumped a foot and a half of snow on some parts of the Copper Country.

HOUGHTON — Just after it would have done statue builders any good, the snow came.

The system that led to nearly a foot and a half in parts of the Keweenaw has passed through, but more snow and low temperatures will remain in effect through next week.

For Thursday’s snow, we can blame an Arctic cold front. A low-pressure system along the front brought in additional moisture, said Ryan Connelly, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Negaunee.

Everywhere in the Upper Peninsula was hit to some extent. But as often happens, the Copper Country took the brunt of the onslaught. Many parts received between 12 to 18 inches Thursday, Connelly said. The top spot was Toivola, which recorded 19 inches.

Temperatures plunged from the 30s on Wednesday to the low teens. Friday’s temperatures were in the low teens throughout Houghton County. Lows overnight were expected to be around 2 degrees. That will plunge further with wind chill, which was expected to dip to around -20 overnight.

The system had passed through by Friday morning, but the cold air left behind should stay in place through at least the middle of next week, Connelly said. That will translate to more lake-effect snow.

Temperatures could get even colder. Highs will be in the single digits. Lows Saturday night will reach -4, dipping to -9 by Monday night.

If people go out, they should dress accordingly, Connelly said. That means covering their ears. And dressing in layers. And wearing mittens instead of gloves for extra warmth.

“That wind chill can be pretty brutal,” he said.

Snowflakes get smaller as the temperatures drop, which means reduced visibility on the road, Connelly said.

“If you get one of those heavier lake-effect bands, certainly be prepared for some tough driving conditions,” he said.

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