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Photo from Mackinac Bridge webcam
Update: 1:01 p.m. Monday -- A major snow storm in northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula has left more than 130,000 without power, resulting in school cancellations, the Detroit News reports.
The Michigan State Police posted this several hours ago:
"Some of the roads throughout the Gaylord and Alpena Post areas are impassable and Alpena County is experiencing power outages. Do not drive because there is a good chance you will get stuck."
"Stay home. Stay safe."
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From Earlier Monday
Spring arrives this Friday. You certainly wouldn't know that in certain parts of Michigan.
The National Weather Service says a potentially historic blizzard is underway in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.
"Potentially historic, record-breaking snowfall between 1 and 3 feet expected across all of Upper Michigan," the National Weather Service writes. "Highest storm total snow expected in the central and east. Greatest potential for 4 feet is the high terrain of north-central. Strong winds and heavy snowfall rates will result in a long duration of blizzard conditions. Widespread impacts: dangerous to impossible travel, power outages, prolonged recovery time."
The Michigan State Police on Sunday issued this warning on X:
Photo from Mackinac Bridge webcam
"As this winter storm is hitting, heavy snow and strong winds may create whiteout conditions and make travel dangerous. Please avoid unnecessary travel over the next couple days if possible. If you must travel, carry winter emergency supplies."
Police also said:
"Due to forecasted heavy snow and freezing rain creating hazardous travel conditions, all nonessential State of Michigan facilities located in the Upper Peninsula and the following counties: Alpena, Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Montmorency, Otsego, and Presque Isle will be closed effective immediately (March 15) through 6:00 a.m. Tuesday, March 17. Employees should contact their direct supervisor to ensure coverage of essential responsibilities and determine alternate work arrangement."
The Mackinac Bridge temporarily closed on Sunday due to falling ice but reopened on Monday.
On Monday morning, the Mackinac Bridge Authority issued a statement:
Currently we are experiencing winds of sufficient force in the Straits area (20 - 34 mph) to issue a warning to all motorists preparing to cross the Mackinac Bridge.
Examples of vehicles which are especially vulnerable to high winds are pickup trucks with campers, motor homes, vehicles pulling trailers and enclosed semi-truck trailers. Motorists are instructed to reduce their speed to a maximum of 20 miles per hour, turn on their four way flashers, and utilize the outside lane. Motorists are asked to exercise appropriate caution.
