Michigan Winter Storm to Bring Freezing Rain, Snow, Strong Winds, and Thunder Risk Across Lower and Upper Peninsulas on Friday

MICHIGAN — A complex and potentially dangerous winter storm is expected to impact both the Lower Peninsula and Upper Peninsula of Michigan on Friday, December 26, 2025, bringing a combination of freezing rain, sleet, snow, gusty winds, and even a low-end thunder threat. Forecasters describe this as a high-impact but uneven event, with conditions varying sharply by location and timing.

Precipitation is expected to begin as early as 5 a.m. in the Lower Peninsula and around midnight in the Upper Peninsula, with impacts lingering into Friday evening and early Saturday morning in some areas.

Freezing Rain Threat Focused on Central and Southern Michigan

The most concerning element of this storm for the Lower Peninsula is freezing rain, especially from Lansing and Grand Rapids northward into Newaygo County.

Forecast guidance shows:

Widespread ice accumulations of 0.10–0.25 inches
Localized amounts possibly reaching 0.25–0.30 inches in isolated pockets
Glaze icing (0.02–0.05 inches) extending farther north and west

While this may not meet criteria for a peninsula-wide ice storm, even modest ice accumulation can cause serious travel hazards, minor tree damage, and isolated power outages. Roads are expected to be slick from Friday morning through Friday afternoon, with lingering icy conditions possible into Saturday morning.

Snow and Sleet Expected North of M-55

Snow and sleet will dominate farther north, particularly north of M-55 in the Lower Peninsula and across much of the Upper Peninsula.

Expected snowfall totals include:

2–5 inches across parts of the northern Lower Peninsula and eastern Upper Peninsula
4–8 inches likely near Sault Ste. Marie
1–3 inches across areas near Mackinaw City, Naubinway, and Gaylord
0–1 inch or mixed sleet/snow across central Michigan, the Thumb, and parts of the western Upper Peninsula

In central sections of the Lower Peninsula, snow and sleet may fall on top of icy road surfaces, worsening travel conditions even where snowfall totals remain low.

Strong Winds May Worsen Impacts

Another concern with this system is strong wind gusts, which could exacerbate ice-related damage.

Forecast wind speeds include:

20–30 mph gusts across much of the Lower Peninsula
30–40 mph gusts in parts of eastern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula
A few isolated locations may briefly approach 40 mph, especially where icing is present

These winds, combined with ice accumulation, increase the risk of downed tree limbs and sporadic power outages, particularly in central and eastern Michigan.

Low-End Thunderstorm and Thundersleet Risk

Forecasters are also monitoring a low-probability but notable thunder threat, including the possibility of thundersleet or thunderstorms embedded within freezing rain bands.

Because storms may develop above a warm air inversion, there is a small chance for:

Isolated lightning
Small hail mixed with sleet or freezing rain

While the overall risk is very low, it is not zero, making this an unusually dynamic winter weather setup for late December.

Timing Overview

Upper Peninsula: Precipitation begins around midnight Friday
Lower Peninsula: Precipitation begins as early as 5 a.m. Friday
Peak impacts: Mid-morning through afternoon Friday
Tapering: Friday evening, with lingering slick spots into Saturday morning

Not all locations will start or end at the same time, making travel planning especially important.

Bottom Line

Michigan faces a highly variable but potentially dangerous winter storm on Friday, with freezing rain in central and southern Lower Peninsula areas, accumulating snow in northern regions and the Upper Peninsula, gusty winds, and even a low-end thunder risk. Travel conditions could deteriorate quickly, and minor power outages are possible.

Residents are urged to use caution, avoid unnecessary travel during peak hours, and monitor local updates closely as conditions evolve.

WaldronNews.com will continue providing updates as the storm develops and impacts become clearer.