Michigan – Winter Weather Advisories are in effect across large portions of northern Michigan as a new round of snow and gusty winds is expected to create hazardous travel conditions from Friday afternoon through Saturday evening. Forecasters warn that rapidly changing lake-effect snow bands could lead to reduced visibility and slick roads, especially during peak travel times.
Advisory Details for Northern Lower Michigan
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, Emmet County is under a Winter Weather Advisory from 4 p.m. Friday to 7 a.m. Saturday. Snowfall totals of 2 to 4 inches are expected, accompanied by wind gusts reaching 35 mph, which may cause blowing and drifting snow.
The weather service noted that “gusty winds will lead to areas of blowing snow and sharply reduced visibility, especially during heavier snowfall”, conditions that could significantly affect the Friday evening commute.
Surrounding Counties Face Heavier Snow
Additional advisories take effect Friday evening through Saturday evening for several nearby counties, including Antrim, Charlevoix, Crawford, Kalkaska, and Otsego. These areas are expected to receive 3 to 6 inches of lake-effect snow, with locally higher amounts possible, particularly along and west of Interstate 75.
Forecasters caution that snowfall rates may intensify at times as lake-effect bands strengthen. Winds gusting up to 35 mph could create near-whiteout conditions when heavier snow bands move through.
The National Weather Service explained that “lake-effect snow will fall in narrow, shifting bands, causing rapidly changing conditions over short distances”, making it difficult for drivers to anticipate hazards ahead.
Eastern Upper Peninsula Also Impacted
In the eastern Upper Peninsula, Central and Western Chippewa counties are under a Winter Weather Advisory from 7 p.m. Friday to 7 p.m. Saturday. Snow accumulations of 3 to 7 inches are expected, with the heaviest snowfall likely north of M-28.
Wind gusts up to 30 mph are forecast in these areas, increasing the risk of drifting snow and sudden visibility reductions on exposed roadways.
Travel Conditions May Deteriorate Quickly
Weather officials stress that lake-effect snow can cause conditions to change rapidly, even within a few miles. Roads that appear clear can quickly become snow-covered, particularly on bridges, overpasses, rural highways, and open stretches prone to drifting.
Drivers may encounter sudden whiteout conditions, especially at night, when visibility can drop without warning as snow bands intensify.
Safety Tips for Drivers and Pedestrians
Motorists traveling during the advisory periods are urged to slow down, increase following distance, and allow extra travel time. Carrying a winter emergency kit, keeping headlights on, and avoiding unnecessary travel during peak snowfall are also recommended.
Pedestrians should use caution on icy sidewalks, steps, and parking lots, as fluctuating temperatures and blowing snow may conceal slick surfaces.
What to Expect by Saturday Evening
Snow is expected to taper off at different times across the region by Saturday evening, depending on the movement of lake-effect bands. However, lingering slick spots may persist into the night, especially in areas that receive heavier snowfall.
Officials advise residents to continue monitoring local forecasts and weather alerts, as advisory areas and snowfall totals may change if snow bands shift.
If you are in an affected area, how are you preparing for the winter weather? Share your experiences in the comments below.
