Alert archive / Michigan / Winter Storm Warnings in 2026

Winter Storm Warning 4, NWS Gaylord, MI

January 22, 202612 counties in Michigan

NWS Gaylord, MI issued this winter storm warning at Jan 22, 2026, 3:36 PM EST for 12 counties in Michigan. It was in force for 34 hr. 5 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Jan 22, 2026, 3:36 PM EST (20:36 UTC)
Expired
Jan 24, 2026, 2:01 AM EST
In force
34 hr
Issued by
NWS Gaylord, MI

Counties Antrim County, MI, Benzie County, MI, Charlevoix County, MI, Cheboygan County, MI, Chippewa County, MI, Emmet County, MI, Grand Traverse County, MI, Kalkaska County, MI, Leelanau County, MI, Manistee County, MI, Otsego County, MI, Wexford County, MI

The radar

The NCL Michigan radar (KAPX), 49 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 20:38 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Jan 22, 4:30 PM ESTSNOW 3.42 Nnw East Jordan, MICocorahs station MI-CX-7 East Jordan 2.1 NNW.
Jan 22, 4:30 PM ESTSNOW 3.42 Nnw East Jordan, MICO-OP Observer station EJNM4 East Jordan 2 NW.
Jan 23, 7:00 AM ESTSNOW 3.22 Se Elmira, MICocorahs station MI-OT-19 Elmira 2.2 ESE.
Jan 23, 7:00 AM ESTSNOW 3.44 Wsw Bates, MICO-OP Observer station TCEM4 Traverse City 4.7 ESE.
Jan 23, 7:00 AM ESTSNOW 3.52 Nne Otsego Lake State, MICocorahs station MI-OT-17 Gaylord 4.1 S.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

The nearest sounding before it

Alpena, MI (KAPX), launched 12:00Z, 8.6 hours before the alert went out and 228 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Alpena, MI at 12:00Z on 2026-01-22Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 0 joules per kilogram.LCL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Alpena, MI at 12:00Z on 2026-01-22The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 96 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
0 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
No buoyant parcel
Mixed-layer LCL
917 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
48 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
96 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
132 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.0
Supercell composite
0.0

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

661 
WWUS43 KAPX 222036
WSWAPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Gaylord MI
336 PM EST Thu Jan 22 2026

MIZ016-017-021-022-099-230845-
/O.UPG.KAPX.WW.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-260123T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KAPX.WS.W.0004.260122T2036Z-260123T1800Z/
Emmet-Cheboygan-Antrim-Otsego-Charlevoix-
336 PM EST Thu Jan 22 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow and significant drops in visibility. 
  Additional snow accumulations of 1 to 4 inches with locally higher 
  amounts possible. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, and Otsego Counties.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM EST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow 
  will significantly reduce visibility with white out conditions 
  expected across open areas at times into Friday morning. Hazardous 
  driving conditions will be worsened by cold air temperatures 
  making road treatment difficult. The hazardous conditions will 
  impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

&&

$$

MIZ020-025>027-031-032-230845-
/O.UPG.KAPX.WW.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-260123T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KAPX.WS.W.0004.260122T2036Z-260123T1800Z/
Leelanau-Benzie-Grand Traverse-Kalkaska-Manistee-Wexford-
336 PM EST Thu Jan 22 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow and significant drops in visibility. 
  Additional snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches with locally 
  higher amounts possible. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...A portion of Northern Lower Michigan.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM EST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow 
  will significantly reduce visibility with white out conditions 
  expected across open areas at times into Friday morning. Hazardous 
  driving conditions will be worsened by cold air temperatures 
  making road treatment difficult. The hazardous conditions will 
  impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

&&

$$

MIZ086-230845-
/O.UPG.KAPX.WW.Y.0011.000000T0000Z-260123T1200Z/
/O.NEW.KAPX.WS.W.0004.260122T2036Z-260123T1800Z/
Western Chippewa-
336 PM EST Thu Jan 22 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow and significant drops in visibility. 
  Additional snow accumulations between 2 and 6 inches with locally 
  higher amounts near Whitefish Point. Winds gusting as high as 35 
  mph.

* WHERE...Western Chippewa County.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM EST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow 
  will significantly reduce visibility with white out conditions 
  expected across open areas at times into Friday morning. Hazardous 
  driving conditions will be worsened by cold air temperatures 
  making road treatment difficult. The hazardous conditions will 
  impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

&&

$$

MIZ023-028-029-033-034-230845-
/O.NEW.KAPX.WW.Y.0012.260122T2036Z-260123T1800Z/
Montmorency-Crawford-Oscoda-Missaukee-Roscommon-
336 PM EST Thu Jan 22 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST FRIDAY...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow and reduced visibility. Additional snow 
  accumulations between 1 and 3 inches.

* WHERE...Crawford, Missaukee, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Roscommon 
  Counties.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM EST Friday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow 
  could significantly reduce visibility. The hazardous conditions 
  could impact the Thursday evening and Friday morning commutes.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

Cornish
5 follow-up statements
234 
WWUS43 KAPX 230732
WSWAPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Gaylord MI
232 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

MIZ020>022-025>027-031-032-099-231945-
/O.EXT.KAPX.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260124T0000Z/
Leelanau-Antrim-Otsego-Benzie-Grand Traverse-Kalkaska-Manistee-
Wexford-Charlevoix-
232 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS EVENING...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow and significant drops in visibility. 
  Additional snow accumulations between 1 and 3 inches with locally 
  higher amounts possible. Winds gusting as high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...A portion of Northern Lower Michigan.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM EST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow 
  will significantly reduce visibility with white out conditions 
  expected across open areas at times. The hazardous conditions will 
  impact the Friday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

&&

$$

MIZ086-231945-
/O.EXT.KAPX.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260124T0600Z/
Western Chippewa-
232 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow and significant drops in visibility. 
  Additional snow accumulations between 1 and 5 inches with locally 
  higher amounts near Whitefish Point. Winds gusting as high as 35 
  mph.

* WHERE...Western Chippewa County.

* WHEN...Until 1 AM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow 
  will significantly reduce visibility with white out conditions 
  expected across open areas at times. The hazardous conditions will 
  impact the Friday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

&&

$$

MIZ016-017-231800-
/O.CON.KAPX.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/
Emmet-Cheboygan-
232 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 PM EST THIS 
AFTERNOON...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow and significant drops in visibility. 
  Additional snow accumulations up to one inch. Winds gusting as 
  high as 35 mph.

* WHERE...Cheboygan and Emmet Counties.

* WHEN...Until 1 PM EST this afternoon.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow 
  will significantly reduce visibility with white out conditions 
  expected across open areas at times. The hazardous conditions will 
  impact the Friday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

&&

$$

MIZ023-028-029-033-034-231945-
/O.EXT.KAPX.WW.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-260124T0000Z/
Montmorency-Crawford-Oscoda-Missaukee-Roscommon-
232 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS 
EVENING...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow and reduced visibility. Additional snow 
  accumulations up to one inch.

* WHERE...Crawford, Missaukee, Montmorency, Oscoda, and Roscommon 
  Counties.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM EST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Travel could be very difficult. Areas of blowing snow 
  will significantly reduce visibility with white out conditions 
  expected across open areas at times. The hazardous conditions will 
  impact the Friday morning commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

ELD
080 
WWUS43 KAPX 231338
WSWAPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Gaylord MI
838 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

MIZ016-240000-
/O.CAN.KAPX.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/
/O.NEW.KAPX.WW.Y.0013.260123T1338Z-260124T0000Z/
Emmet-
838 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS EVENING...
...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow and low visibility. Additional snow 
  accumulations up to one inch.

* WHERE...Emmet County.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM EST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow 
  may reduce visibility, especially across open areas. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the Friday evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

MIZ020>022-025>027-031-032-099-240000-
/O.CAN.KAPX.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260124T0000Z/
/O.NEW.KAPX.WW.Y.0013.260123T1338Z-260124T0000Z/
Leelanau-Antrim-Otsego-Benzie-Grand Traverse-Kalkaska-Manistee-
Wexford-Charlevoix-
838 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 PM EST THIS EVENING...
...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow and low visibility. Additional snow 
  accumulations up to two inches.

* WHERE...A portion of Northern Lower Michigan.

* WHEN...Until 7 PM EST this evening.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow 
  may reduce visibility, especially across open areas. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the Friday evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

MIZ017-231445-
/O.CAN.KAPX.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260123T1800Z/
Cheboygan-
838 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

Significant visibility reductions have ended for most of the area. 
Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

$$

MIZ023-028-029-033-034-231445-
/O.CAN.KAPX.WW.Y.0012.000000T0000Z-260124T0000Z/
Montmorency-Crawford-Oscoda-Missaukee-Roscommon-
838 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

Lake effect snow and visibility reductions have diminished for most 
of the area. Therefore, the warning has been cancelled.

$$

MIZ086-240145-
/O.CON.KAPX.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260124T0600Z/
Western Chippewa-
838 AM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1 AM EST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow and significant visibility reductions. 
  Additional snow accumulations between 2 and 4 inches. Locally 
  higher amounts near Whitefish Point.

* WHERE...Western Chippewa County.

* WHEN...Until 1 AM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow 
  may significantly reduce visibility to whiteout conditions at 
  times, especially across open areas. The hazardous conditions 
  could impact the Friday evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

&&

$$

Cornish
485 
WWUS43 KAPX 231954
WSWAPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Gaylord MI
254 PM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

MIZ086-240800-
/O.EXT.KAPX.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260124T1200Z/
Western Chippewa-
254 PM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow and low visibility. Additional snow 
  accumulations up to 4 inches.

* WHERE...Western Chippewa County.

* WHEN...Until 7 AM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow 
  may significantly reduce visibility to whiteout conditions at 
  times, especially across open areas. The hazardous conditions 
  could impact the Friday evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

&&

$$

MIZ016-240800-
/O.EXT.KAPX.WW.Y.0013.000000T0000Z-260124T1200Z/
Emmet-
254 PM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Lake effect snow. Additional snow accumulations up to one 
  inch.

* WHERE...Emmet County.

* WHEN...Until 7 AM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions and low visibility. The 
  hazardous conditions could impact the Friday evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

MIZ020>022-025>027-031-032-099-240800-
/O.EXT.KAPX.WW.Y.0013.000000T0000Z-260124T1200Z/
Leelanau-Antrim-Otsego-Benzie-Grand Traverse-Kalkaska-Manistee-
Wexford-Charlevoix-
254 PM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY NOW IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Snow. Additional snow accumulations around one inch or less.

* WHERE...A portion of Northern Lower Michigan.

* WHEN...Until 7 AM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions. Areas of blowing snow 
  may reduce visibility, especially across open areas. The hazardous 
  conditions could impact the Friday evening commute.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

Slow down and use caution while traveling.

&&

$$

Cornish
598 
WWUS43 KAPX 240245
WSWAPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Gaylord MI
945 PM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

MIZ016-020>022-025>027-031-032-099-240345-
/O.CAN.KAPX.WW.Y.0013.000000T0000Z-260124T1200Z/
Emmet-Leelanau-Antrim-Otsego-Benzie-Grand Traverse-Kalkaska-
Manistee-Wexford-Charlevoix-
945 PM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

...WINTER WEATHER ADVISORY IS CANCELLED...

The threat for heavy snow has ended; however, snow showers will 
continue into Saturday morning. In addition, area roads remain snow 
covered and slick. Be sure to be cognizant of road conditions if you 
are traveling across northern Michigan, and remember to TAKE IT SLOW 
IN ICE AND SNOW!

$$

MIZ086-241200-
/O.CON.KAPX.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260124T1200Z/
Western Chippewa-
945 PM EST Fri Jan 23 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 7 AM EST SATURDAY...

* WHAT...Heavy snow. Additional snow accumulations up to three 
  inches.

* WHERE...Western Chippewa County.

* WHEN...Until 7 AM EST Saturday.

* IMPACTS...Plan on slippery road conditions.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If you must travel, keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in 
your vehicle in case of an emergency.

&&

$$

HAD
663 
WWUS43 KAPX 240701
WSWAPX

URGENT - WINTER WEATHER MESSAGE
National Weather Service Gaylord MI
201 AM EST Sat Jan 24 2026

MIZ086-240815-
/O.CAN.KAPX.WS.W.0004.000000T0000Z-260124T1200Z/
Western Chippewa-
201 AM EST Sat Jan 24 2026

...WINTER STORM WARNING IS CANCELLED...

The threat for heavy snow has ended; however, snow showers will 
continue into Saturday morning. In addition, area roads remain snow 
covered and slick. Be sure to be cognizant of road conditions if you 
are traveling across eastern upper Michigan, and remember to TAKE IT 
SLOW IN ICE AND SNOW!

$$

HAD

The office that day

Everything else NWS Gaylord, MI issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Jan 22, 3:36 PM ESTWinter Weather AdvisoryAPXCrawford, Missaukee, Montmorency, Oscoda, Roscommon17 hr
Jan 22, 3:39 PM ESTExtreme Cold WarningAPXAlcona, Alpena, Antrim, Arenac, Benzie, Charlevoix and 19 more45 hr

Nearby

Winter Storm Warnings in Michigan, 2026Every winter storm warning in 2026

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; local storm reports from the same archive; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.