Ice storm warnings are actively in effect across multiple states this weekend, with the most severe threat in northern Michigan and Wisconsin. An ice storm warning has been expanded to 10 counties in northern Michigan, including Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Montmorency, Otsego and Presque Isle. The powerful winter storm affecting the region is bringing a dangerous combination of heavy snow, sleet, freezing rain, and damaging winds through Monday afternoon.
The Winter Storm Warning is now in effect until 4 PM Monday for heavy mixed precipitation, with total snow and sleet accumulations between 4 and 7 inches, and with ice accumulations between 1 tenth and a quarter inch, with winds gusting as high as 45 MPH. Forecasts call for up to a half-inch of ice, with winds gusting as high as 40 miles per hour across the region, and those two things in combination can lead to downed power lines and tree branches. Rapid icing is expected this afternoon, and above ground, the heavy, wet precipitation will increase the risks of falling tree limbs and downed power lines, with travel expected to become difficult, and persons being urged to stay indoors until conditions improve on Monday.
Fierce gusts swept into Sheboygan Friday, causing damage to buildings and prompting road closures, with part of a roof above condos and a law office hanging precariously after the winds rolled through, and debris scattered throughout the area forcing road closures. Authorities in several counties have warned people to skip unnecessary travel, with the Presque Isle County sheriff's office warning people to stay off the roads altogether. The City of Sheboygan has declared a Snow Emergency beginning Sunday, March 15, 2026, at 6:00 AM, with residents urged to follow snow emergency guidelines to assist with efficient snow removal and ensure public safety.