Gaylord, MI – Roads across parts of Northern Lower Michigan are turning treacherous Sunday afternoon as freezing rain, sleet and wet snow build into a prolonged icing event that could knock out power and make overnight travel nearly impossible into the Monday morning commute.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, an Ice Storm Warning remains in effect until 8 a.m. Monday for Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Leelanau, Antrim, Otsego and Charlevoix counties. Forecasters warned of ice accumulations from two-tenths to one-half inch, along with up to 2 inches of additional snow and sleet. Wind gusts could reach 40 mph, increasing the risk of downed limbs and scattered outages.
The statewide concern is centered in northern sections of the Lower Peninsula, where ice-covered roads, bridges and untreated secondary routes could become impassable overnight. In communities including Gaylord, Charlevoix, Petoskey, Cheboygan, Alpena-area inland routes, Bellaire and Leelanau County, the combination of glaze ice and wind may snap branches and damage power lines.
Officials are urging residents to avoid non-essential travel. Anyone who must be on the road should carry food, water, blankets, a flashlight and a charged phone. Residents should also prepare for possible outages by charging devices now and keeping needed medications and backup heat plans ready.
The greatest danger will continue through the night and into early Monday, when icy roads and falling branches may still create problems even after precipitation eases. More advisories or updates could follow as conditions change.
