Petoskey, Michigan – Blinding snow and powerful wind gusts are creating dangerous whiteout conditions across northern Michigan early Monday, with travel quickly becoming difficult to impossible on many roads.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, a Blizzard Warning remains in effect across parts of northern Michigan through Monday evening and into Tuesday morning. Wind gusts could reach 45 to 50 mph, pushing heavy snow across highways and reducing visibility to less than one-quarter mile at times.
In Emmet, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Leelanau counties, including communities such as Petoskey, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, and Northport, the warning lasts until 8 p.m. Monday. Snow and sleet totals could reach 3 to 7 inches, with higher localized amounts possible along Lake Michigan shorelines. Blowing snow may quickly cover roads along U.S. 31, M-119, and M-22.
Farther north across the eastern Upper Peninsula and the Straits region, including Mackinac Island, St. Ignace, Sault Ste. Marie, and surrounding islands, blizzard conditions could persist until 8 a.m. Tuesday. Snow totals there may reach 4 to 10 inches, with isolated totals approaching 12 inches as strong winds continue to drive snow across roadways.
Emergency managers warn that travel should be restricted to emergencies only, particularly on rural and secondary roads where drifting snow could block lanes. Drivers who must travel should carry winter survival supplies and remain with their vehicle if stranded.
While snowfall intensity may fluctuate Monday night, blowing snow and dangerous visibility could continue across northern Michigan until winds ease Tuesday morning. Additional advisories may be issued as the storm evolves.
