Gaylord, Michigan – Drivers across northern Lower Michigan could encounter icy pavement shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday as freezing rain and sleet spread into the region, threatening both the morning and evening commutes.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect from 1 a.m. to 7 p.m. Wednesday for Kalkaska, Roscommon, Ogemaw and Iosco counties. Snow totals will stay light, generally up to 1 inch, but ice accumulations between one-tenth and one-quarter inch could create widespread slick travel. Wind gusts may reach 35 mph.
Even a thin glaze can make bridges and overpasses treacherous along I-75 near Roscommon, M-55 through West Branch and U.S. 23 in Tawas City. Rural backroads and untreated surfaces may ice over first. Ice approaching a quarter inch could also weigh down tree limbs and power lines, leading to scattered outages.
Drivers should reduce speed, allow extra stopping distance and consider delaying non-essential travel during peak icing. Keep mobile devices charged in case of isolated power interruptions.
The most hazardous conditions are expected from pre-dawn through early evening Wednesday. Advisories remain in place until 7 p.m., and additional alerts could follow if icing intensifies.
