Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan – Drivers across the eastern Upper Peninsula could lose visibility to less than a quarter mile before the Tuesday evening commute ends as heavy snow and 35 mph wind gusts sweep through Chippewa and Mackinac counties.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until midnight Tuesday for Central, Western and Southeast Chippewa counties along with Eastern and Western Mackinac counties. Forecasters expect an additional 3 to 6 inches of snow by 12 a.m., with blowing and drifting snow creating whiteout conditions in open areas.
Road crews across M-28, I-75 and the Mackinac Bridge corridor are working to keep lanes passable, but falling snow combined with gusty winds may quickly cover treated pavement. Visibility could drop below one-quarter mile at times, especially in rural stretches and near shoreline areas exposed to stronger winds.
The hazardous conditions are expected to heavily impact the Tuesday evening commute, with slippery roads and sudden whiteouts posing life-threatening risks for motorists. Officials urge residents to delay non-essential travel. If travel is unavoidable, keep a flashlight, extra food and water, blankets and a fully charged phone in your vehicle.
Snow and blowing snow will gradually ease toward midnight, but slick roads may linger into early Wednesday morning. Additional advisories could follow if bands persist overnight.
