Gaylord, Michigan – Drivers in Gladwin and Arenac counties could encounter icy pavement shortly after 1 a.m. Wednesday as freezing rain moves in ahead of the morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday for both counties. Forecasters expect a light glaze of ice, enough to make untreated roads and elevated surfaces slick.
Bridges and overpasses along U.S. 10, M-61 and M-30 may freeze first, especially before sunrise when surface temperatures hover near or below freezing. Even minor ice accumulation can reduce traction quickly, leading to spin-outs and slower traffic during the early commute.
Residents should reduce speed, increase following distance and allow extra travel time Wednesday morning. Sidewalks, stairs and driveways may also turn slippery. Officials advise keeping mobile devices charged in case isolated outages develop.
The highest risk for travel impacts runs from pre-dawn through late morning Wednesday. The advisory expires at 1 p.m., though additional updates may follow if icing lingers longer than expected.
