Gaylord, Michigan – Drivers across northern Michigan and parts of the eastern Upper Peninsula face a challenging stretch of winter weather as persistent lake-effect snow continues to blanket the region through Wednesday evening, creating slick roads and sharply reduced visibility.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday for Antrim, Otsego, Kalkaska, Crawford, and Chippewa counties. Widespread snowfall totals of 4 to 8 inches are expected, with localized bands producing more than a foot of accumulation in the hardest-hit areas. Wind gusts between 35 and 40 mph are likely to cause blowing and drifting snow, especially during the day Wednesday.
In northern Lower Michigan, snow-covered stretches of U.S. 131, M-32, and M-72 may become hazardous, particularly on bridges and overpasses near Gaylord, Grayling, and Kalkaska. In Chippewa County, travel between Sault Ste. Marie and surrounding rural areas could deteriorate quickly as heavier lake-effect bands move inland.
Officials urge motorists to slow down, allow extra travel time, and avoid unnecessary trips during periods of heavy snow. Conditions may change rapidly from one community to the next, with brief whiteout visibility possible.
The heaviest snow is expected to taper off Wednesday evening, though additional advisories could be issued if lake-effect bands persist into New Year’s Eve.
