Traffic had increased speed since Wednesday night when thousands of motorists in what passes as the local rush hour inched their way south and west on U.S. 41. Vehicles, according to numerous reports, were lined up dozens in a row as visibility and road conditions vexed drivers.

“We came in from (the Copper Country) last night. Just wow,” said one motorist after he topped off his tank at a local gas station Thursday. “Visibility was really bad.”

The gusting winds driving heavy snows was responsible for electrical outages across the area. According to the online tracking service news.findenergy.com, more than 6 percent of metered customers in Marquette County were without power Wednesday afternoon while about 60 percent of Baraga was without power at one time or another.

Emergency crews from the Marquette Board of Might and Power, UPPCO and other utilities worked throughout the night and into Thanksgiving to restore service to many areas.

Downtown Marquette is seen Thursday morning. An apparent cannabis customer learned the Fire Station was not open Thanksgiving Day. (Journal photo by Bud Sargent)

A blizzard warning remained in effect for much of Superiorland Thursday. The National Weather Service station in Negaunee Township advised “Travel could be very difficult, especially (Thursday) morning near the lakeshores. Widespread blowing snow will significantly reduce visibilities at times. Slow down and use caution if you must travel. Driving could be very difficult at times … During lake effect snow

, the weather can vary from bands of locally heavy snow to dry weather just a few miles away. Visibilities can also vary greatly. Be prepared for rapid changes in weather, visibility and road conditions.

Bud Sargent can be reached at 906-228-2500, extension 544. His email address is bsargent@miningjournal.net.