Grand Rapids, Michigan — Freezing rain could create slick roads, ice accumulation, and scattered power outages across northern Michigan late tonight into Wednesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, rain and thunderstorms are expected to move into the region between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. Tuesday, with temperatures hovering near or slightly below freezing across parts of northern Lower Michigan.
Forecasters warn that freezing rain may develop along and north of the US-10 corridor, where colder air near the surface could allow rain to freeze on contact.
Ice accumulation is expected to remain relatively light overall, but a thin glaze up to around two-tenths of an inch may develop in some locations. Even small amounts of ice can quickly create hazardous conditions on bridges, overpasses, sidewalks, and untreated roads.
Communities including Big Rapids, Cadillac, Ludington, and Grayling may see the greatest impacts, particularly overnight as temperatures remain near the freezing mark.
Strong easterly winds may also develop during the event, with sustained speeds between 10 and 20 mph and gusts reaching up to 30 mph. Combined with ice buildup on tree branches and power lines, these winds could increase the risk of isolated power outages.
Drivers traveling along major corridors such as US-10, US-131, and Interstate 75 could encounter slick conditions overnight and during the early Wednesday commute.
Conditions are expected to gradually improve Wednesday morning as temperatures rise and precipitation moves out of the region.
The timing could affect early commuters, school transportation, and morning travel, especially across rural highways and elevated roadways where ice tends to form first.
Officials advise residents to slow down on icy roads, allow extra travel time Wednesday morning, and monitor updated forecasts for changing conditions overnight.
