A major round of freezing rain is expected to move across Lower Michigan early Friday, prompting widespread Winter Weather Advisories and raising concerns about dangerous road conditions during the morning commute. Meteorologists warn that the timing of the storm will make travel particularly hazardous.
Winter Weather Advisories Cover Most of Michigan
According to forecasts, all Michigan counties except Berrien and Cass will be under a Winter Weather Advisory on Friday. Advisory times vary slightly by region:
- Southwest Lower Michigan: 5 a.m. to noon
- Eastern Lower Michigan: 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.
- Northwest Lower (including Traverse City): 5 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The widespread advisories reflect the potential for significant ice accumulation across much of the state.
Timeline: When Freezing Rain Will Hit
Weather experts say freezing rain will begin developing over Lower Michigan between 4 a.m. and 7 a.m. Friday. The most dangerous period will occur between 7 a.m. and 10 a.m., when the rain becomes heavier and could produce up to one-tenth of an inch of ice in a single hour.
The freezing rain will gradually taper off from west to east between 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., bringing some improvement to road conditions later in the day.
Travel Impact: Hazardous Roads Expected Through Midday
The freezing rain is expected to stretch south toward the Michigan–Ohio–Indiana borders. Forecasters note:
- Drivers heading into Indiana or Ohio before 6 a.m. may avoid most of the icy weather.
- The southwest corner of Lower Michigan will see the least ice accumulation.
- Those traveling east Michigan to Chicago should reach Kalamazoo between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. to avoid the worst of the storm.
- A mid-morning drive — between 8 a.m. and 9 a.m. — will put motorists directly into hazardous conditions.
Radar forecasts show the freezing rain expanding through mid-morning, with slick conditions lingering well into the afternoon.
Areas Expected to See the Heaviest Ice
Forecast models indicate one-tenth to two-tenths of an inch of ice across the advisory area, with localized totals slightly higher. The heaviest accumulation is expected around:
- Mt. Pleasant
- Saginaw
- Bay City
- Midland
- Flint
- The Thumb region
Some areas could see just over a quarter-inch of ice, enough to cause dangerous road conditions and potential power line impacts.
Safer Travel Conditions Expected Saturday
Temperatures are expected to rise above freezing on Saturday, making travel much safer across the region as ice melts. For anyone with flexibility, meteorologists strongly recommend waiting until Saturday to travel. If driving Friday is unavoidable, experts say motorists must leave very early or wait until mid-afternoon after conditions begin to improve.
Summary
Michigan is bracing for a significant freezing rain event Friday, with widespread advisories and dangerous driving conditions expected during the morning commute. Ice accumulations could reach up to a quarter-inch in some areas before temperatures rise on Saturday. Stay updated with the latest freezing rain warnings, travel guidance, and Michigan weather alerts at HonkNews.com.