Temperatures around the freezing mark made for wet, heavy snow Wednesday ahead of a snow storm predicted for Wednesday afternoon and into Thursday. Falling temperatures and decreasing visibility will make driving hazardous for the next few days. (Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette)

HOUGHTON — Schools through out the Copper Country, as well as other areas of the Upper Peninsula announced closures for Wednesday ahead of the first major winter storm prediction of the 2024-2025 winter season. Classes in schools in the Copper Country Intermediate School District in Baraga, Houghton, Keweenaw, and Ontonagon counties were cancelled, as well as schools in Manistique, Munising, and Republic-Michigamme.

A Winter Storm Warning issued by the National Weather Service office in Marquette, at 5:22 a.m. Wednesday, for the four county area, along with several other counties in the west and central U.P. calls for moderate to heavy lake effect snow expected today and tonight.

This, combined with west-northwest winds gusting to 40 mph will lead to blowing snow/reduced visibilities as well as wind chills in the single digits above and below zero.

The storm warning will remain in effect until 1 p.m. Thursday.

Hancock Public Schools Superintendent Chris Salani announced cancellations at 5:22 a.m. Wednesday.

Houghton-Portage Township Schools Superintendent Anders Hill sent an email announcing the Wed. school closing at 5:24 a.m.

Four to eight inches of snow is predicted through 1 p.m. Thursday, with northwest winds at 20 mph, predicted to gust as high 40 mph.