Gaylord, Michigan – Travel across northern Michigan is expected to become difficult Sunday night as a widespread winter system brings heavy snow followed by pockets of freezing drizzle, setting up hazardous conditions for the Monday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, Winter Weather Advisories are in effect from Sunday evening through mid-morning Monday for much of the eastern Upper Peninsula and large portions of northern Lower Michigan. Snow totals are expected to range from 3 to 7 inches, with the highest accumulations across eastern Upper Michigan, the Straits region, and parts of northwest Lower Michigan. A light glaze of ice may develop late as snowfall tapers, further worsening road conditions.
Areas expected to see significant impacts include Mackinac Island, St. Ignace, Sault Ste. Marie, Alpena, Gaylord, Traverse City, Petoskey, Charlevoix, Cadillac, and Houghton Lake. Roads are likely to become snow-covered quickly Sunday night, with reduced visibility at times and slippery conditions lingering into the early commute hours.
In Chippewa County, lake effect snow early Sunday will be followed by a more organized round of snowfall Sunday night. Farther south, snow may end as freezing drizzle Monday morning, increasing the risk for icy patches on untreated roads, bridges, and ramps.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and use caution overnight and early Monday. Advisories remain in effect through mid-morning, and additional updates may be issued if snow or ice lingers longer than expected.
