Mount Pleasant, Michigan – A dangerous mix of freezing rain followed by a potential winter storm is setting up across central and west-central Michigan, creating a high-impact stretch of travel hazards from overnight through Monday.
Freezing rain develops after midnight, with the most hazardous period expected between 1 a.m. and late Sunday morning. Ice accumulations up to one-tenth of an inch are expected in Isabella, Clare, Mecosta, and Osceola counties, enough to create slick roads, icy bridges, and difficult travel during the Sunday morning hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, a Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 1 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sunday for Mount Pleasant, Big Rapids, Clare, and Reed City. Even light icing can quickly lead to crashes, especially on untreated roads and overpasses. Isolated power outages are also possible if ice builds on tree branches and power lines.
Farther west, the concern escalates Sunday night. Lake and Newaygo counties, including Baldwin and Fremont, are under a Winter Storm Watch from late Sunday night through Monday evening. Heavy snow totals of 4 to 7 inches are possible, combined with wind gusts up to 50 mph. Blowing snow could reduce visibility to near zero at times, creating dangerous travel conditions for both the Monday morning and evening commutes.
Road crews will be monitoring conditions, but rapidly changing precipitation types may make roads difficult to treat. US-127, M-20, and M-46 are among the routes most likely to see icy and snow-covered stretches.
Residents should avoid unnecessary travel overnight and early Sunday, charge electronic devices, and prepare for possible power interruptions. Those with Monday travel plans should closely monitor updates as snow and wind details become clearer.
