Gaylord, MI – The National Weather Service in Gaylord has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Antrim, Charlevoix, Crawford, Kalkaska, and Otsego counties from Wednesday afternoon through Friday morning, warning of heavy snow, strong winds, and dangerous travel heading into the Thanksgiving holiday.
Forecasters expect 5 to 9 inches of snow, with localized totals over 10 inches possible inland from the lakeshore. Wind gusts up to 45 mph are also expected, leading to blowing and drifting snow and significantly reduced visibility across portions of northern Lower Michigan.
The combination of heavy snow and wind could make holiday travel hazardous, particularly along U.S. 131, M-32, and M-72 near Gaylord and Grayling. Conditions are expected to deteriorate late Wednesday and remain difficult through Friday morning as lake effect snow persists.
The NWS urges residents and travelers to review holiday plans, check updated forecasts, and prepare for changing road conditions across northern Michigan.
