News Photo by Steve Schulwitz Wind and rain engulfed Mich-e-ke-wis Park in Alpena Friday evening. Rain and freezing rain are expected to remain in the area all weekend.

ALPENA — An early spring winter storm is expected to bring rain, wind, and ice to a large swath of Northeast Michigan through Monday morning.

As of Friday afternoon, it appears Presque Isle County is in line for a significant ice event that could make travel difficult, cause power outages, and lead to slip and fall injuries.

In Alpena, Alcona, and Montmorency counties, there will be rain, with possible thunderstorms, as well as some light freezing rain.

Currently, Presque County is under a winter weather advisory that calls for two-tenths of an inch or more of ice. That amount may seem trivial, but it can wreak havoc for people and local infrastructure.

The weather advisory says people who live in the Rogers City area, and the balance of Northeast Michigan, should prepare for the storm and its potential impacts. The Weather Service also encourages people to be careful when outdoors.

“Roads, and especially bridges and overpasses, will likely become slick and hazardous,” the advisory said. “Power outages and tree damage are also possible, likely due to the ice. Travel could be difficult. Be prepared for slippery roads. Slow down and use caution while driving. If you are going outside, watch your first few steps taken on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways. These surfaces could be icy and slippery, increasing your risk of a fall and injury.”

Dave Kowalski, the superintendent manager for the Presque Isle County Road Commission, said the forecast doesn’t bode well for road conditions. He said the slightest amount of ice can make it dangerous for motorists, including his truck drivers, and pedestrians.

He said his raid crews are all prepared for the storm to make sure the roads are as passable as possible.

“Even the slightest bit of ice on the pavement makes it difficult to drive,” he said. “Sometimes, it can look like the road is just wet, and it’s actually ice and it is very easy to lose control and get into an accident. It is dangerous for everyone, including my drivers, because driving on ice is much more dangerous than driving in snow.”

The precipitation began in Northeast Michigan late Friday afternoon, and the storm will come in waves and teeter back and forth between rain and freezing rain until Monday morning. There is also a chance of snow showers during the overnight hours each day. Accumulation is expected to be less than an inch.

Sean Christensen, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Gaylord, said there is a chance the forecast could change and more ice could accumulate in Alpena. He said there could be a thin layer of ice in the city, but further out of town, ice could build up to two-tenths to one-half inch before Monday morning.

Christensen said this storm is one that has been hard to forecast. He said the temperature will teeter near the freezing mark, and if they swing a degree or two up or down, it will mean rain for some and ice and snow for others.

“It is a tricky forecast and not a fun one for us,” he said. “A few degrees of variance, either way, can change things significantly. So, we’ll continue to provide frequent updates.”

The Weather Service says there is the potential for prolonged power outages if there is a large power outage. Christensen said even a little ice buildup can topple large tree limbs and lead to power lines failing.

Allan Berg, president and CEO of PIE&G, said the utility co-op has been monitoring the weather and utility crews have been briefed and ready to roll if power restoration is needed. He said if there are vast power outages, he said mutual aid partners from around Michigan are also ready to come assist if they are able.

“Everyone is on high alert,” Berg said.

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@TheAlpenaNews.com. Follow him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.