Gaylord, MI – Quiet weather today will give way to a potentially hazardous wintry system affecting northern Michigan Thursday night into Friday.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, precipitation is expected to begin late Thursday evening, Christmas Day, and continue through Friday evening. While today remains largely uneventful aside from a few flurries or snow showers in eastern Upper Michigan, attention is turning to the incoming system and its travel impacts.
Forecasters expect primarily snow across eastern Upper Michigan, where accumulations could reach up to five inches by Friday evening. From the Mackinac Bridge south to around the M-72 corridor, a mix of snow and sleet is becoming more likely.
South of M-72 and into parts of northern Lower Michigan, freezing rain is expected to be the dominant precipitation type. Ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch are possible, which could create slick roads, especially on untreated surfaces.
Travel impacts are likely Thursday night into Friday as road conditions deteriorate. The National Weather Service urges drivers to closely monitor the forecast, as small changes in temperature could significantly affect precipitation type and impacts.
High temperatures today are expected to range from the mid-20s to mid-30s, with colder conditions continuing into the wintry period. Conditions are expected to improve by Saturday as the system exits the region.
This forecast is especially relevant for holiday travelers, commuters, and overnight workers traveling across northern Michigan late Thursday or Friday.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert for forecast updates and possible advisories as confidence increases
