Widespread School, Government Office, Business Closures Monday
Widespread closures have been announced across northern Michigan Monday amid a winter storm that has hammered the state, producing significant icing across the region. Strong predicted winds and a continued winter storm warning through Monday could exacerbate impacts to infrastructure, especially for areas with icing on trees and power lines.
Multiple schools in the Grand Traverse County area announced they would be closed Monday, including Northwestern Michigan College, Traverse City Area Public Schools, Grand Traverse Area Catholic Schools, Grand Traverse Academy, Career Tech, The Greenspire School, Old Mission Peninsula School, and more. Governor Gretchen Whitmer closed all nonessential state office buildings across the 15 Upper Peninsula counties and 13 Northern Michigan counties until 6am Tuesday. That includes offices in Alpena, Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Montmorency, Otsego, and Presque Isle counties.
As of Sunday evening, many local government offices were planning on a delayed opening of 11am Monday. The list included the Governmental Center (City of Traverse City/Grand Traverse County), the local courts, Central Records, Garfield Township, and the Grand Traverse County Health Department. Peninsula and Green Lake township offices are closed Monday.
All flights at Cherry Capital Airport were cancelled Sunday afternoon until at least 9am Monday. Anyone traveling through TVC has been advised to check directly with airlines for the latest information on their flights. Traverse Area District Library announced all of its locations would be closed Monday. All BATA services are planned to have a delayed start of at least 11am Monday. The Grand Traverse Bay YMCA also plans to have a delayed start of 11am Monday.
Munson Healthcare announced some services may be closed or operating with modified hours. A current closure list is available online here. Munson noted the following available resources are available for those facing hazardous travel conditions:
• Virtual Urgent Care: Available Monday-Friday 11am–6pm and Saturday-Sunday 11am-4pm online here
• Ask-A-Nurse: Free, 24/7 health information at 231-935-0951
• Emergency Departments: Open 24/7 for serious illnesses and injuries
• Life-threatening emergencies: Call 911 immediately
Numerous businesses across northern Michigan either did not open or closed early Sunday, with many posting expected closures Monday as well. Residents are advised to check ahead before traveling to any events or businesses for possible cancellations until the storm has fully lifted.
On Sunday night, an ice storm warning for Grand Traverse County was lifted and a winter storm warning issued, which remains in effect until 8pm Monday. Heavy mixed precipitation, additional snow and sleet accumulations between 1 and 6 inches, and ice accumulations up to one tenth of an inch have been predicted. Winds could gust as high as 45mph. Travel could remain difficult and impact both the Monday morning and evening commutes. Gusty winds could bring down tree branches. If residents must travel, they are advised to keep an extra flashlight, food, and water in their vehicles in case of an emergency.