Gaylord, Michigan – Roads across northern Lower Michigan could glaze over shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday as a mix of sleet and freezing rain spreads north, setting up hazardous travel for both the morning and evening commutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, a Winter Weather Advisory runs from 1 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday for Antrim, Otsego, Crawford, Oscoda, Alcona and Charlevoix counties. Forecasters expect 1 to 4 inches of snow and sleet, mainly across Otsego, Oscoda and Alcona counties, along with ice accumulations between one-tenth and one-quarter inch. Wind gusts could reach 35 mph.
Ice approaching a quarter inch can weigh down tree limbs and power lines, raising the risk of scattered outages from Gaylord to Mio and Harrisville. Bridges and overpasses along I-75, M-32 and U.S. 131 will freeze first, creating slick spots before daybreak.
Drivers should slow down, allow extra braking distance and consider delaying non-essential travel during peak icing. Keep phones charged and prepare for possible power interruptions.
The most dangerous conditions are expected from pre-dawn through early evening Wednesday. Advisories remain in effect until 7 p.m., and additional alerts may follow if ice totals trend higher.
