Gaylord, Michigan – Drivers across northern Michigan are dealing with slick and hazardous road conditions early Monday as snow and freezing precipitation continue to impact both the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Michigan during the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. for much of eastern Upper Michigan and northern Lower Michigan. Additional snowfall of 1 to 3 inches is expected in many areas, along with a light glaze of ice that is making untreated roads especially slippery.
In eastern Upper Michigan, the advisory covers Chippewa and Mackinac counties, including St. Ignace, Mackinac Island, and surrounding areas. Snow and ice are creating difficult driving conditions on bridges and elevated roadways, where freezing occurs more quickly.
Across northern Lower Michigan, communities including Gaylord, Alpena, Cheboygan, Charlevoix, Traverse City, Kalkaska, Roscommon, and surrounding counties are also affected. Snow totals may reach up to 3 inches east of M-33, with lesser amounts farther west, but even small accumulations combined with ice are enough to cause travel problems.
Roads in Benzie, Manistee, and Wexford counties are seeing lighter snow totals, but icy patches remain a concern. MDOT crews are treating highways, but conditions may remain slick through mid-morning.
Drivers are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and allow extra time to reach their destination. Conditions are expected to gradually improve later this morning as precipitation tapers off, though slick spots may linger into the late morning hours.
