Gaylord, Michigan – Snow and gusty winds are creating hazardous travel conditions across northern Michigan Tuesday, with locally higher snowfall totals expected in the eastern Upper Peninsula.
According to the US National Weather Service in Gaylord, accumulating snow will continue through the day, with the most significant impacts likely this afternoon into the evening. Eastern Upper Michigan is forecast to receive between 6 and 8 inches of snow, with locally higher amounts possible.
Travel impacts are likely along US-2 west of St. Ignace, where gusty southerly winds may reduce visibility and create blowing and drifting snow. Officials warn that road conditions could deteriorate quickly during periods of heavier snowfall.
Across northern Lower Michigan, snowfall totals are generally expected between 3 and 6 inches, with the heaviest bands favoring areas along and north of M-32. Communities including Gaylord, Petoskey, and Alpena may experience reduced visibility during peak snowfall.
Winds combined with accumulating snow are expected to produce blowing snow and hazardous travel conditions into the evening commute. The system is forecast to transition to lake-effect snow tonight, extending impacts into early Wednesday morning.
Motorists traveling on I-75, US-131, and US-23 should prepare for slippery roads and fluctuating visibility, particularly in open areas prone to drifting.
The system may especially affect students and late-day commuters as snowfall intensity increases during the afternoon hours.
Officials urge drivers to allow extra travel time and monitor updated road conditions throughout Tuesday.
