Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan – Snow and gusty winds are making travel difficult across northern Michigan early Friday, with several inches expected to accumulate across both the eastern Upper Peninsula and parts of northern Lower Michigan through the day.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 8 p.m. Friday for parts of the eastern Upper Peninsula, including Chippewa and Mackinac counties, Mackinac Island, and Beaver Island. Snow totals of 5 to 9 inches are expected, with localized higher amounts possible as bands of snow continue through the day.
Winds could gust as high as 40 mph, blowing snow across roadways and reducing visibility at times, particularly along open stretches near the Straits of Mackinac and U.S. Highway 2.
Farther south across northern Lower Michigan, including Traverse City, Cadillac, Kalkaska, and Roscommon, another advisory remains in effect until 2 p.m. Friday. These areas could see 3 to 6 inches of snow combined with similar wind gusts near 40 mph.
Roads may become snow-covered quickly during the morning commute, with blowing snow occasionally lowering visibility across rural highways such as U.S. 131, M-32, and M-72.
Drivers should slow down and allow extra travel time as conditions deteriorate. Gusty winds could also bring down small tree branches in some areas.
Snow is expected to taper later Friday afternoon across northern Lower Michigan, while heavier bands may linger into the evening across the eastern Upper Peninsula.
