Michigan – A prolonged and dangerous winter storm is expected to impact much of northern Michigan from Sunday night through early Tuesday, bringing a combination of freezing rain, heavy snow, strong winds, and hazardous travel.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, Winter Storm Warnings are in effect across eastern Upper Michigan and much of northern Lower Michigan, with start times ranging from Sunday evening to early Monday morning and continuing into Tuesday in some areas.
In eastern Upper Michigan, including Chippewa and Mackinac counties, precipitation will begin as freezing rain and sleet Sunday evening, producing ice accumulations up to two-tenths of an inch before transitioning to snow. Total snowfall amounts of 8 to 14 inches are expected, with wind gusts up to 45 mph causing significant blowing and drifting snow and localized whiteout conditions.
Across northern Lower Michigan, counties including Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Charlevoix, Antrim, Otsego, Grand Traverse, Benzie, Leelanau, Wexford, Alpena, Crawford, Montmorency, and Missaukee are forecast to see periods of freezing drizzle today, followed by heavy snow overnight Sunday into Monday. Snowfall totals generally range from 6 to 12 inches, with locally higher amounts possible.
Forecasters warn that ice accumulation on trees and power lines may cause localized power outages, while strong winds will sharply reduce visibility. Travel is expected to become dangerous to potentially life-threatening, especially overnight Sunday through Monday, with impacts to both the Monday morning and evening commutes.
Residents are urged to delay travel if possible, prepare for power outages, and monitor forecast updates. Anyone who must travel should carry emergency supplies and use extreme caution.
