Thousands of people have been urged to avoid all travel as a powerful ice storm sweeps across the U.S., with the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing weather warnings from Saturday through Sunday.

Why It Matters

An ice storm poses serious dangers due to the accumulation of freezing rain on roads, power lines, and trees. The slick, icy surfaces create extremely hazardous driving conditions, increasing the risk of vehicle accidents.

Falling tree limbs and downed power lines can cause widespread power outages, leaving residents and businesses without heat or electricity. The added weight of ice can also damage roofs and structures, while slippery sidewalks and driveways increase the risk of falls and injuries.

What To Know

An ice storm warning has been issued for parts of Michigan and Wisconsin, with freezing rain, snow, and sleet expected to create treacherous road conditions, cause widespread power outages, and snap tree limbs.

In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, counties including Alger, Luce, Delta, and Schoolcraft are bracing for up to 8 inches of snow and ice accumulations of up to half an inch through Sunday evening, while Dickinson, Iron, and Menominee Counties could see up to 6 inches of snow.

The heaviest snowfall is expected along and north of M-28, with icy conditions making roads nearly impassable. Marquette County could see up to 12 inches of snow in higher elevations, with half an inch of ice threatening to bring down power lines and trees.

Meanwhile, in the northeastern part of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, including Alpena, Montmorency, and Otsego Counties, as well as Cheboygan, Emmet, and Presque Isle Counties, ice is expected to make roads and bridges hazardous. Power outages and tree damage are also possible.

In northern and central Wisconsin, several counties such as Price, Langlade, Oneida, Florence, Forest, northern Marinett, northern Oconto, Lincoln, and Menominee are under Ice Storm Warnings until Sunday evening, up to four-tenths of an inch of ice and snow and sleet is expected, with accumulations ranging from 1 to 6 inches.

Marathon, Shawano, and Taylor Counties will also be affected. The storm is expected to make travel nearly impossible, particularly on highways and rural roads. Forecasters warn that ice-laden trees and power lines could fall, resulting in prolonged power outages.

Authorities are strongly urging residents to avoid all non-essential travel, as roads, bridges, and overpasses will be extremely slippery.

Those who must travel are advised to carry emergency supplies, including food, water, a flashlight, and blankets in case they become stranded. Power companies are preparing for potential outages, and residents are being asked to report downed power lines and avoid any fallen branches near electrical wires.

Meanwhile, winter storm warnings are in place across five states this weekend, including Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Vermont and New York, and residents are urged to check forecasts for more information on their local area.

Travel is highly discouraged in all affected areas unless absolutely necessary. It is crucial to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency. Power outages are expected, and road conditions will be slick and hazardous, especially on bridges and overpasses.

What People Are Saying

National Weather Service Marquette, Michigan, said on X: “Most of the UP [Upper Peninsula] can expect a lull in wintry precip today [Saturday], but then heavy snow and a wintry mix move in tonight and persists through Sunday. Heaviest snow totals look to be across the Keweenaw, western, and north-central UP.”

What Happens Next

The storm is expected to gradually ease by Sunday evening, but forecasters warn that lingering ice on power lines and trees could continue to pose hazards into Monday.