Grand Rapids, Michigan – Roads in central Michigan could ice over within minutes after midnight as freezing rain spreads into Clare and Osceola counties, threatening slick pavement before the Wednesday morning drive.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, a Winter Weather Advisory takes effect at midnight Tuesday night and remains in place until 9 a.m. Wednesday. Forecasters expect ice accumulations between one-tenth and locally two-tenths of an inch.
Even a light glaze can create hazardous travel along U.S. 10 near Clare and M-115 through Reed City. Elevated surfaces such as bridges and overpasses will freeze first. Side streets, rural roads and untreated parking lots may become slick before sunrise.
Ice totals nearing two-tenths of an inch could also weigh down tree limbs and power lines, raising the risk of isolated outages early Wednesday.
Drivers should reduce speed, allow extra stopping distance and consider delaying travel during the pre-dawn hours. Keep devices charged in case of power interruptions.
The greatest travel impacts are expected between 3 a.m. and 9 a.m. Wednesday. Advisories remain in effect through the morning commute, and additional alerts may be issued if icing becomes more widespread.
