Gaylord, Michigan – Ice and snow are continuing to spread across northern Michigan this morning, creating slick roads and the potential for localized power outages as freezing rain mixes with accumulating snow.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, freezing rain, sleet, and snow will continue at times through tonight, with the most significant icing expected from roughly 8 a.m. through early afternoon. Snowfall will become the dominant precipitation later in the day, with the heaviest snow rates expected from late morning through early evening.
Parts of northern Lower Michigan including Gaylord, Grayling, Alpena, Mio, and Houghton Lake may see up to 0.1 inch of ice accumulation, enough to coat roads, sidewalks, and power lines. Areas closer to the Straits of Mackinac and eastern Upper Peninsula, including St. Ignace and Sault Ste. Marie, could see localized snowfall totals exceeding 4 inches by midnight.
Travel conditions may deteriorate quickly along Interstate 75, U.S. 131, and M-32, where untreated pavement could turn icy during periods of freezing rain. Local emergency managers warn that even thin ice accumulations can lead to crashes and sporadic power interruptions.
Drivers are urged to slow down and allow extra time for travel today. The wintry mix should gradually taper late tonight, though additional rounds of snow may impact northern Michigan later this week and into the weekend.
