Traverse City News and Events

Widespread School, Government Office, Business Closures Monday

By Beth Milligan | March 16, 2026

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.

Comment

Democrats Sweep Congress; More Election Results

Read More >>

Children’s Advocacy Center CEO Resigns

Read More >>

Thirsty Fish Sports Grille to Close November 29

Read More >>

TC Eyes 2027 Planning Goals

Read More >>

As Local Leaders Eye Housing Solutions, Garfield Township Resists Goodwill Inn Expansion

Read More >>

Reaching the Boiling Point

Read More >>

Traverse City Central Preps for First-Ever On-Campus Greenhouse

Read More >>

'I Want Them To Feel Good About Themselves:' TC West's Tom Brown Reflects On Decades Of Coaching

Read More >>

Airport Police Investigation Leads to Arrest, Recovery of Stolen Property

Read More >>

Sidewalk Closures Raise Access, Mobility Questions

Read More >>

Changes Approved For TVC Terminal

Read More >>

Garfield Trustees Talk Phishing Scheme, Upcoming South Airport Work, Liquor License

Read More >>

Traverse City Track Club To Hold Design Contest For Bayshore Race Shirt

Read More >>

Seattle On TVC Radar

Read More >>
↑