Gaylord, Michigan – Roads across northern Michigan could quickly become slick by late Thursday morning as freezing rain develops, creating hazardous travel conditions during the midday hours.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, a wintry mix will spread from south to north starting around 8 a.m. Thursday, with the worst conditions expected between late morning and mid-afternoon. Ice accumulations between 0.10 and 0.25 inches are likely, with localized higher amounts possible.
Communities including Gaylord, Petoskey, Alpena, and Grayling are expected to see the greatest icing impacts, especially on untreated roads, bridges, and overpasses. Snow and sleet totals may reach up to 1 inch before precipitation transitions to rain later in the day as temperatures rise above freezing.
Major routes such as I-75 and US-131 could become slippery during peak travel hours, with visibility reduced during periods of mixed precipitation.
Drivers are urged to slow down, allow extra stopping distance, and consider delaying travel during the worst conditions. Isolated power outages are possible where ice accumulates on tree limbs and power lines.
Conditions are expected to improve by Thursday evening as precipitation changes to rain, but additional advisories may be issued if icing becomes more widespread.
