CV NEWS FEED // Communities across northern Michigan continue to struggle in the wake of a brutal series of weekend storms that brought heavy snow, ice, and widespread power outages to the region.
The storm system, which hit both the Upper and Lower Peninsulas starting March 28, left roads impassable, trees downed, and nearly a quarter of a million residents in the dark at its peak, according to a report from Detroit Free Press.
In the Upper Peninsula, snowfall reached extraordinary levels. Marquette and the surrounding areas received between 15 and 20 inches of snow. Nearby Trowbridge Park measured 17.7 inches, while Harvey saw 16.2 inches. Munising tallied over a foot, and Sault Ste. Marie, though not as hard-hit, still reported multiple rounds of snow accumulation throughout the weekend.
The Lower Peninsula that bore the brunt of the ice. Counties like Alcona, Alpena, and Crawford saw up to half an inch of ice coat roads, power lines, and trees. In Atlanta, located in Montmorency County, the accumulation hit the half-inch mark as well.
Between Gaylord and Almira, reports indicated ice thickness of 1.5 inches.
Over 700 Consumers Energy crews are now deployed across the Lower Peninsula, having restored power to 65% of the 260,000 customers affected by the storm, The Petoskey News-Review reported.
Another storm system is expected to pass through Northern Michigan on Wednesday, raising concerns that ongoing recovery efforts could be disrupted again, according to The Petoskey News-Review.
Meteorologists have also warned that plunging nighttime temperatures could cause pipes to burst and pose serious risks of hypothermia, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Otsego County Emergency Management lifted its shelter-in-place recommendation on April 1, reporting that the main roads in and out of Gaylord are now cleared of downed power lines. Some local businesses have resumed limited operations to provide essential supplies, though schools will remain closed for the week.
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