Gaylord, Mich. — An arctic front crossing northern Michigan Friday is driving hazardous travel conditions along I-75, U.S. 31, and U.S. 23 as bitter cold, blowing snow, and rapidly icing roads combine through tonight.
The National Weather Service in Gaylord said a burst of snow Friday morning gives way to strong northwest winds gusting 30 to 40 mph by afternoon. As temperatures plunge from near freezing into the teens, road surfaces refreeze quickly, turning slushy pavement icy within minutes.
Dangerous wind chills develop late Friday and peak overnight, dropping into the minus teens and minus 20s across much of northern Lower Michigan. The cold poses a serious risk to anyone stranded outdoors, with frostbite possible in a short time on exposed skin.
Travel impacts concentrate along I-75 from Grayling north toward Gaylord and Mackinaw City, U.S. 31 near Traverse City and Petoskey, and U.S. 23 along the Lake Huron shoreline toward Alpena. Blowing and drifting snow reduces visibility, with brief whiteout conditions possible in open areas and near lakeshores.
Communities affected include Gaylord, Grayling, Traverse City, Petoskey, Alpena, Rogers City, Kalkaska, and West Branch. The combination of falling snow, strong winds, and plunging temperatures makes travel especially dangerous late Friday afternoon through early Saturday morning.
The Michigan Department of Transportation urged drivers to delay non-essential travel, slow down, and carry winter survival supplies. Even treated roads turn slick as wind strips heat from pavement.
The coldest wind chills persist through early Saturday morning before slowly easing. Winds remain gusty into Saturday, keeping travel conditions difficult despite diminishing snowfall. Another frigid night follows before gradual moderation late in the weekend.
