Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan – Drivers across Eastern Upper Michigan have less than three hours to navigate increasingly slick roads as snow and a light glaze of ice freeze untreated surfaces before 7 p.m. Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 7 p.m. EST for Chippewa and Mackinac counties, including Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace and Mackinac Island. Forecasters expect up to 1 inch of additional snow and a thin ice accumulation capable of coating bridges and overpasses.
Road commissions report that elevated stretches along I-75, M-28 and US-2 are especially vulnerable as temperatures hover near freezing. Even a light glaze can create black ice within minutes, particularly on untreated secondary roads and rural highways.
The advisory covers Western, Central and Southeast Chippewa County along with Western and Eastern Mackinac County. Commuters heading home should slow down, increase following distance and avoid sudden braking. Officials also urge residents to watch their footing on sidewalks, stairs and driveways where ice may be difficult to see.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve after 7 p.m., but slick spots could linger overnight as temperatures dip. Additional advisories could be issued if freezing persists into early Saturday.
