Gaylord, MI – A widespread Fall snowstorm is set to sweep across Northern Michigan Saturday evening, bringing a long stretch of steady accumulation and dangerous travel from the Eastern U.P. into the Northern Lower Peninsula through Sunday.
According to the National Weather Service Gaylord office, a Winter Weather Advisory takes effect between 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday—depending on location—and lasts until 1 p.m. Sunday. Snow totals of 4 to 7 inches are expected across Leelanau, Antrim, Otsego, Cheboygan, Alpena, Montmorency, Oscoda, Alcona, Iosco, and Roscommon counties. The heaviest bands may set up farther east from Cedarville to Drummond Island, where 6 to 9 inches are possible. Snow begins late afternoon, then intensifies after dark as colder air deepens.
According to MDOT, stretches of US-131 near Gaylord, M-32 toward Johannesburg, and I-75 between Indian River and Wolverine will become slick quickly once snowfall rates increase Saturday evening. Crews warn that visibility may drop sharply in heavier bands, especially near open farmland and lake-exposed routes. Drivers should reduce speeds, allow added stopping distance, and check the Michigan Drive Map before traveling.
According to emergency management officials in Otsego and Cheboygan counties, conditions may affect Saturday evening events and early Sunday services. Residents are urged to charge phones, clear storm drains ahead of the storm, and keep shovels and ice melt ready as sidewalks and porches will glaze overnight. Snow will taper late Sunday morning, but temperatures in the 20s will keep untreated surfaces icy.
