Michigan – The calm late-morning skies won’t last long across northern Michigan, where a sharp turn toward icy conditions is now hours away. Roads that look dry this afternoon could become slick quickly as temperatures fall and precipitation begins.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, a Winter Storm Watch remains in effect as mixed precipitation develops late tonight and intensifies into Thursday. Ice accumulations between 0.10 and 0.25 inches are possible, along with up to 1 inch of snow and sleet in northern Lower Michigan. Winds will gust between 25 and 35 mph, increasing the risk of hazardous travel.
Across Emmet, Cheboygan, and Alpena counties, conditions will deteriorate quickly after midnight. By early morning, precipitation transitions to freezing rain, creating a glaze on roads, bridges, and sidewalks. Travel along I-75, US-31, and M-32 could become dangerous, especially during the morning commute.
In eastern Upper Michigan, including Mackinac Island and Sault Ste. Marie, snowfall begins first before switching to sleet and freezing rain by midday Thursday. Ice buildup combined with gusty winds may lead to isolated power outages and tree damage.
Plan ahead now. Charge devices, allow extra travel time, and avoid unnecessary trips during peak icing. Even small ice amounts can create widespread hazards.
By Thursday afternoon into evening, temperatures gradually rise above freezing, helping improve road conditions. However, lingering slick spots remain possible into the evening commute.
Looking ahead, this system is part of a broader early-April pattern bringing mixed precipitation across the Great Lakes and Northeast. Warmer air returns into the weekend, but this short-term icing event will have immediate impacts.
