Lake snow continues

IRONWOOD — The lake-effect snow that was predicted for Iron and Gogebic counties continued through Wednesday afternoon throughout the Gogebic Range, with the National Weather Service predicting more than 8 inches through the evening.

The sun peeked through the clouds in Ironwood around 9 a.m., then returned around noon, however strong winds off Lake Superior created drifting snow conditions that made driving hazardous, especially at icy intersections.

Highways and side roads remained ice- and snow-covered as many local schools were closed for a second straight day, although Gogebic Community College was back in session on Wednesday. GCC was scheduled to open two hours late on Tuesday, but power outages forced closure of the school for the entire day.

The forecast for Ironwood called for cold weather through the weekend and more snow.

The Hurley Area Chamber of Commerce was advising patience for would-be snowmobilers, as the trails in Iron County, Wis., were being checked out before any grooming could begin.

Western Upper Peninsula trails were also being assessed for wind and ice damage from this week’s nearly constant strong gusts.

Indianhead and Blackjack Mountain ski hills had been open on a weekend basis and all of the Big Snow Country downhill ski resorts now plan to be open by mid-December.

—Ralph Ansami