Traverse City, Michigan – Drivers across northern Michigan are waking up to slick roads Tuesday morning as mixed precipitation continues to freeze on contact, creating hazardous travel during the peak commute window. Bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads are seeing the worst conditions as light snow and ice combine before temperatures slowly recover.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect across much of Northern Lower Michigan until 10 a.m., including Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Antrim, Alpena, and Roscommon counties. Additional snowfall up to one inch is expected, along with a light glaze of ice that may be difficult to see on pavement.
Farther north, portions of Eastern Upper Michigan, including Mackinac and Chippewa counties, remain under an extended advisory until 1 p.m. Snow accumulations there could reach two inches, with freezing drizzle developing late this morning into early afternoon. That combination raises concern for rapidly icing bridges along US-2, M-123, and island roadways near Mackinac Island and Bois Blanc Island.
MDOT crews are treating main routes, but drivers are urged to reduce speed, increase following distance, and allow extra travel time. Even brief freezing drizzle can sharply reduce traction.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve from south to north by midday, though shaded and elevated surfaces may remain slick. Additional statements could be issued if icing persists longer than expected.
