GAYLORD, MI — The first major lake-effect snow of December is already taking shape over northern Michigan this morning, painting the air white and coating highways from Traverse City to Gaylord. The National Weather Service in Gaylord has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook warning of 4 to 8 inches of snow across the region through early Tuesday, with locally higher totals near Lake Michigan.
Cold, moist air streaming over the lake is creating intense snow bands, reducing visibility and rapidly covering roadways. Drivers along I-75, M-32, and U.S. 131 should expect whiteout conditions at times, especially during the Monday evening and Tuesday morning commute. Winds from the southwest at 10–15 mph will also cause blowing and drifting snow, further complicating travel.
Meteorologists say the heaviest accumulations will fall along the Lake Michigan shoreline and interior hills, where snow squalls could briefly drop rates over one inch per hour. Travel may become extremely difficult through Tuesday morning, and officials urge residents to delay unnecessary driving, especially in rural areas and open stretches near Gaylord and Petoskey.
Behind the snow, a bitter Arctic air mass will lock in subfreezing temperatures through late week. Highs will stay in the teens to mid-20s, with wind chills dipping near zero by Thursday morning.
5-Day Outlook (Gaylord, MI):
- Monday: Snow showers likely, high 26°F.
- Tuesday: Snow, high 29°F, 2–4″ additional accumulation.
- Wednesday: Snow showers, high 26°F, low 10°F.
- Thursday: Mostly cloudy, high 17°F, low 9°F.
- Friday: Snow chance, high 25°F.
