Gaylord, Michigan – Dangerous winter travel conditions continue across northern Michigan Thursday evening as lake effect snow and strong winds combine to create whiteout conditions that are expected to last into Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, Winter Storm Warnings remain in effect until 1 p.m. Friday for much of northern Lower Michigan and parts of the eastern Upper Peninsula. Additional snow accumulations of one to four inches are expected across Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Otsego, Leelanau, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Manistee, and Wexford counties, while western Chippewa County could see two to six inches, with locally higher amounts near Whitefish Point. Wind gusts up to 35 mph are producing blowing and drifting snow with visibility frequently dropping below a quarter mile.
Road conditions are rapidly deteriorating along U.S. Highway 31, U.S. 131, M-32, and M-72, with open areas especially prone to sudden whiteouts. Communities including Petoskey, Charlevoix, Gaylord, Traverse City, Cadillac, Manistee, Cheboygan, and Paradise are seeing hazardous driving conditions that are impacting the Thursday evening commute and are expected to linger into Friday morning.
Cold air temperatures are making it difficult for road crews to keep surfaces treated, increasing the risk of icy patches beneath blowing snow. Officials urge drivers to avoid unnecessary travel and prepare for rapidly changing visibility.
Those who must travel should carry emergency supplies, including food, water, and a flashlight, and allow extra time to reach destinations. Motorists should be prepared to pull over safely if visibility suddenly drops.
Winter storm warnings remain in effect through Friday afternoon, and additional advisories could be issued if lake effect bands intensify overnight.
