Traverse City, Michigan – Drivers across Northern Michigan may see road conditions deteriorate rapidly this evening as a widespread mix of snow, sleet, and light icing moves in ahead of the Tuesday morning commute, affecting both the Upper Peninsula and Northern Lower Michigan.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, Winter Weather Advisories are in effect from 8 p.m. this evening through 10 a.m. Tuesday for much of Northern Lower Michigan, including Charlevoix, Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Alpena, Benzie, Roscommon, and surrounding counties. Snow accumulations up to 1 to 2 inches are expected in many areas, with a light glaze of ice possible, especially on untreated roads.
In Eastern Upper Michigan, including Chippewa and Mackinac counties, snow is already ongoing and will continue overnight. Totals of 2 to 6 inches are expected, with the highest amounts east of a Paradise-to-Cedarville line. Mackinac Island and Bois Blanc Island could see 2 to 4 inches by Tuesday morning. Roads in these areas are expected to become snow-covered and hazardous through the overnight hours.
The most dangerous travel period is expected overnight into the Tuesday morning commute, particularly on bridges, overpasses, and secondary roads. Motorists are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and allow extra travel time. Advisories remain in effect through Tuesday morning, and lingering slick spots may persist even after precipitation tapers off.
