Michigan – Snow roars sideways across the Straits this morning as wind howls off Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. Drifts pile up fast, swallowing lanes and hiding shoulders. This storm is already rewriting travel plans across Northern Michigan.
The National Weather Service in Gaylord has Winter Storm Warnings in effect through Monday evening and into early Tuesday for large portions of Eastern Upper Michigan and Northern Lower Michigan. Snowfall totals of 10 to 15 inches, with isolated amounts over 18 inches, are expected in Chippewa and Mackinac counties, including Mackinac Island and Bois Blanc Island. Winds will gust up to 55 mph, producing near-blizzard conditions.
Farther south, communities including Petoskey, Cheboygan, Alpena, Traverse City, Charlevoix, Manistee, and Gaylord face 6 to 9 inches, with locally higher totals. Even lighter accumulation zones may see travel grind to a halt as blowing and drifting snow erase visibility.
Travel conditions will deteriorate quickly today. US-2, I-75 near the Mackinac Bridge, M-32, and M-72 are especially vulnerable. Conditions may turn life-threatening within minutes as lake-effect bands intensify. To be fair, some areas may briefly improve before another burst hits.
Power outages are possible as ice and snow load tree limbs and lines. Officials urge residents to delay travel and prepare for extended impacts.
Looking ahead, snow tapers late tonight, but colder air settles in through midweek. New Year’s Eve Wednesday stays cold and breezy, with lingering flurries possible. Early 2026 begins with winter firmly in control.
