The Munising Falls Trail within Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is closed until further notice, according to a Facebook post from Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. The post states that an approximate 75-foot section of the paved trail was washed out on Monday night from recent heavy rainfall and seasonal snow melt. As a result, there is currently no safe access point to view Munising Falls. Travel in the Munising Falls area is strictly prohibited to protect both visitor safety and sensitive natural resources. (Photo courtesy of National Parks Service)

MARQUETTE – On Monday, the Upper Peninsula experienced a cluster of strong thunderstorms, part of a larger storm system that passed through much of Wisconsin and Minnesota Monday.

The weather alert sent out by the National Weather Service’s Marquette Office around 4 p.m. on Monday read that “strong to severe thunderstorms remain possible this evening into tonight, with strong winds, large hail and frequent lightning possible. Tornadoes cannot be ruled out, and heavy rain could cause flood-prone rivers and streams to rise.”

Thankfully no tornadoes touched down in the U.P., but several areas received a considerable amount of hail.

“There were reports of one and a half inch hail in Iron County near Chicagon Lake, and Iron River reported one and a quarter inch hail,” said Tara Dudzik, meteorologist at the Marquette National Weather Service office. “That area came down with the most … Marquette also reported half-inch hail.”

As of Tuesday morning there have been no reports of downed trees or power lines, according to the National Weather Service.

Annie Lippert can be reached at 906-228-2500, ext. 542. Her email address is alippert@miningjournal.net.