03-04-2025
'A generational storm': Northern Michigan ice storm was worst in over 100 years
NORTHERN MICHIGAN — Northern Michigan's devastating ice storm, which crippled power grids, snapped trees like matchsticks and left entire communities in the dark, is being called one of the most severe weather events in the region in over a century.
'This is easily the worst ice storm in modern times — in the last 50 years — and you have to go back all the way to 1922 to find something even remotely close,' said Harold Dippman, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Gaylord. 'It's a generational storm, one people will talk about for the rest of their lives.'
Though specific statewide icing records are still being assessed, the event's prolonged duration, relentless rainfall and catastrophic damage clearly set it apart. Between Friday evening and Monday morning, some areas saw 2-5 inches of precipitation — much of which froze to trees and power lines, leading to widespread outages and road closures.
'It was catastrophic,' Dippman said. 'Roads were impassable for almost 48 hours. There are still places off the beaten path that you can't access. In terms of infrastructure, the power grid will likely need to be rebuilt from the substations out to neighborhoods.'
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The meteorological setup was a "textbook" scenario for prolonged icing: a stalled front lingered over Northern Michigan while cold air remained locked in place due to an Arctic high-pressure system to the northeast. Temperatures hovered in the dangerous 31–32 degree range for days, allowing round after round of freezing rain to coat the region.
Looking ahead, the forecast offers some short-term relief — but not without risks. Warmer temperatures are expected to reach the 40s and even 50s by Friday, which will help melt lingering ice. However, strong winds with gusts over 40 mph are expected late Wednesday into Thursday, potentially hampering recovery efforts.
'There's also a real danger from falling ice,' Dippman warned. 'Some of that ice is heavy, and it's coming down from tree branches. Be aware of your surroundings.'
He also stressed generator safety for households still without power: 'Make sure your generator is properly ventilated. Carbon monoxide buildup can be deadly.'
Dippman thanked line workers and emergency crews who are working nonstop to restore essential services.
'Given the historic and catastrophic nature of this event, their efforts cannot be overstated,' he said.
— Contact reporter Annie Doyle at 231-675-0099 and adoyle@
This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: National Weather Service: Northern Michigan ice storm worst in over 100 years
