Traverse City, Michigan – Drivers across northern Michigan could face slick roads and sudden whiteouts through Thursday morning as lake effect snow bands continue to hammer parts of the region with gusty winds and accumulating snow.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord and Marquette, multiple Winter Weather Advisories remain in effect across northern Lower Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. In northwest Lower Michigan, including Leelanau, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Manistee, and Wexford counties, lake effect snow is expected to produce 3 to 7 inches, with localized higher totals. Wind gusts up to 40 mph are creating blowing and drifting snow, sharply reducing visibility at times.
In Alpena and Presque Isle counties, lighter but persistent snow of 2 to 4 inches is expected through late Wednesday night, with gusts near 35 mph contributing to hazardous travel. Western Chippewa County could see an additional 1 to 3 inches before conditions improve later Wednesday.
Across the Upper Peninsula, advisories remain in place for Marquette, Alger, Luce, Baraga, and northern Schoolcraft counties, where another 3 to 5 inches is possible, especially near Lake Superior. Winds gusting up to 45 mph may lead to significant blowing snow, impacting the Wednesday commute. Farther west, Gogebic, Keweenaw, Ontonagon, and northern Houghton counties will see lighter totals but continued slick roads early Wednesday.
Motorists are urged to slow down, allow extra travel time, and be prepared for rapidly changing conditions. Snow bands may shift with little warning, and additional advisories could be extended if lake effect snow persists into Thursday morning.
