St. Ignace, MI – Northern Michigan will face a long stretch of hazardous winter weather from Monday evening into Tuesday as several lake-enhanced snow bands bring accumulating snow, blowing drifts, and localized whiteout conditions from the Straits to the Leelanau Peninsula.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS) Gaylord, Winter Weather Advisories remain or go into effect tonight for multiple counties, including Eastern Mackinac, Western Chippewa, Beaver Island and surrounding islands, and the counties of Leelanau, Benzie, and Manistee.
Eastern Mackinac County is forecast to receive 2 to 5 inches of snow west of I-75 and 1 to 3 inches east of the interstate, with winds up to 35 mph producing blowing and drifting snow along the US-2 corridor. Hazardous travel is expected from 1 a.m. to 10 a.m. Tuesday, especially west of St. Ignace.
Beaver Island and nearby islands will see 3 to 6 inches of snow from 7 p.m. Monday to 4 p.m. Tuesday, with similar gusty winds reducing visibility. Slippery roads may impact the Tuesday morning commute for island residents and essential travelers.
Farther south along the Lake Michigan shoreline, Leelanau, Benzie, and Manistee Counties are now under an advisory from 11 p.m. Monday to 4 p.m. Tuesday, where 3 to 6 inches of snow and areas of whiteout conditions are likely overnight and into Tuesday morning.
Western Chippewa County is expected to see the highest totals, with 3 to 7 inches, especially near Eckerman and Trout Lake. Blowing snow and frequent bursts of reduced visibility are expected from 7 p.m. Monday to 4 p.m. Tuesday.
Drivers across the region should allow extra time, prepare for rapidly changing visibility, and keep a winter emergency kit on hand.
