Northern Lower Michigan – Early-morning travel conditions remain hazardous across parts of northern Lower Michigan as Winter Weather Advisories stay in effect through Saturday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, Winter Weather Advisories remain active until 7 a.m. EST for Western Mackinac County and a separate advisory covering Leelanau, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Manistee, and Wexford counties. The alerts address ongoing lake effect snow and blowing snow, with additional accumulations ranging from up to one inch to locally two inches before daybreak.
Winds are gusting up to 30 miles per hour, contributing to blowing snow and localized reductions in visibility, especially where snow bands intensify. In Western Mackinac County, forecasters specifically warn of significantly reduced visibility along U.S. Highway 2, a key corridor for early-morning travel.
Slippery road conditions are expected across the region, including along US-2, M-22, US-31, M-72, and connecting county roads serving communities such as Traverse City, Manistee, Cadillac, and surrounding rural areas. Lake effect snow is known for producing sharp contrasts, with heavier snow impacting one area while nearby locations remain relatively clear.
The National Weather Service cautions that travel conditions may change rapidly over short distances, particularly in areas exposed to gusty winds. Motorists traveling before sunrise are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and allow extra time to reach their destinations safely.
For commuters, students, and early-shift workers, the highest travel risk is expected during the pre-dawn hours, with gradual improvement anticipated after the advisories expire later this morning.
Residents are encouraged to monitor road conditions and local advisories as snow showers diminish and winds gradually ease across northern Lower Michigan.
