Sault Ste. Marie, MI – Slushy snow is already reducing visibility across eastern Upper Michigan this afternoon, with up to 3 inches expected before sunset Saturday and a thin layer of ice developing by late evening.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, wet snow will continue through roughly 6 p.m., with the heaviest bands targeting the M-28 corridor and areas north, including Sault Ste. Marie. Visibility may drop below a mile during heavier bursts, while road surfaces turn slushy and uneven.
Communities from St. Ignace to Drummond Island and across Mackinac County will see the transition begin after sunset, as drizzle replaces snowfall. Temperatures hovering near 32 degrees will allow a light glaze of ice to form on untreated roads, bridges, and elevated surfaces. The Mackinac Bridge remains a concern for slick travel conditions into the overnight hours.
Drivers along I-75, M-28, and local roads in Chippewa County should allow extra stopping distance and avoid sudden braking. While widespread shutdowns are not expected, conditions can shift quickly between wet and icy.
The wintry mix will linger into late Saturday night, and additional advisories may be issued if icing becomes more widespread.
