Gaylord, Michigan – Residents across Northern Lower Michigan and parts of the eastern Upper Peninsula are being urged to prepare for dangerous winter conditions as snow, strong winds, and rapidly falling temperatures move into the region late Thursday night and continue through Friday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in Gaylord, a Winter Weather Advisory is set to take effect at 10 p.m. Thursday for a broad stretch of Northern Lower Michigan. The advisory will remain in place until 4 p.m. Friday, while a separate advisory covering western Chippewa County in the eastern Upper Peninsula will stay active until 1 p.m. Friday.
Meteorologists warn that the combination of accumulating snow, gusty winds, and freezing temperatures could make travel hazardous, especially during the Friday morning commute.
Areas Included Under the Winter Weather Advisory
The advisory for Northern Lower Michigan covers a wide range of counties, including Emmet, Cheboygan, Charlevoix, Leelanau, Grand Traverse, Antrim, Benzie, Manistee, Wexford, Kalkaska, Crawford, and Otsego.
In the eastern Upper Peninsula, western Chippewa County is also under an advisory, though snowfall totals there are expected to be slightly lower.
Residents in these areas should remain alert to rapidly changing road and weather conditions, particularly in locations prone to lake-effect snow.
Expected Snowfall and Wind Conditions
Forecasters say 2 to 5 inches of snow are expected across much of Northern Lower Michigan. In some locations, especially those impacted by lake-effect snow bands, localized snowfall amounts could exceed these totals.
Wind will be a major factor in worsening conditions. Gusts could reach up to 45 mph across parts of Northern Lower Michigan, while western Chippewa County could see gusts as high as 40 mph. These strong winds are likely to cause blowing and drifting snow, leading to sharply reduced visibility at times.
In western Chippewa County, snowfall totals are forecast to range between 1 and 3 inches, but even lighter snow amounts can create dangerous travel when combined with high winds.
Rapid Temperature Drops and Icy Roads
Another key concern is the rapid drop in temperatures overnight. As colder air moves in, wet road surfaces are expected to freeze, creating icy conditions. This is especially dangerous on bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads, where ice can form quickly and unexpectedly.
Officials caution that visibility may deteriorate rapidly in heavier snow bands, leaving drivers little time to react. Sudden whiteout-like conditions are possible, particularly in open areas and near lakeshore regions.
Impact on Travel and Infrastructure
The timing of this system is expected to significantly impact the Friday morning commute, when many drivers will be heading to work or school. Snow-covered roads, icy patches, and blowing snow could slow traffic and increase the risk of accidents.
Strong wind gusts may also lead to downed tree branches, which could block roadways or damage power lines. While widespread power outages are not expected, isolated outages remain possible, particularly in areas where trees are already weakened by previous storms.
Emergency management officials advise residents to ensure mobile devices are charged, vehicles are winter-ready, and travel plans are adjusted if possible.
Safety Guidance for Drivers and Residents
The National Weather Service is urging residents to take extra precautions during the advisory period. Drivers are advised to:
- Reduce speeds and allow extra travel time
- Increase following distance to avoid sudden stops
- Be prepared for rapidly changing visibility, especially during lake-effect snow
- Carry a winter emergency kit, including blankets, food, and a flashlight
Pedestrians should also use caution, as icy sidewalks and parking lots may develop overnight.
For updated forecasts and official advisories, residents are encouraged to monitor alerts from the National Weather Service through local media and official weather channels.
When Conditions Are Expected to Improve
Forecasters indicate that conditions should gradually improve Friday afternoon as snowfall becomes lighter and winds begin to ease. While some slick spots may linger into the evening, overall travel conditions are expected to stabilize as the storm system moves out of the region.
Until then, officials stress the importance of staying weather-aware and making safety the top priority.
If you live in or are traveling through Northern Michigan during this advisory, take extra care and plan ahead. Share your experiences in the comments below.
