Storms

Nearly the entire Upper Peninsula is under an ice storm warning, with as much as half an inch of accumulation predicted in some areas, according to the National Weather Service.

"We are going to definitely fall significantly short of our averages for the season," said Jennifer RiChard, owner of Hidden Acres Sugar Bush in Gaylord. "But that's OK; it'll be a season. It's better than none."

WCMU's Emma George-Griffin speaks with Tina Sawyer about her day on the ground in Roscommon County, one of the most impacted areas of the devastating ice storm that crushed the region this week.

The state was on the verge of finishing its 10-year forest management plan when the ice storm hit in March 2025. Officials say they plan on revising the plan to account for the damage from the ice storm in 2026.

The bipartisan bill was passed over half a year ago and aims to allow for reimbursements on things like tree-related property damage.

Although northern Michigan's ice storm initial appeal for individual relief and utilities has been denied by the Trump administration, utilities are still eligible for other types of relief from the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

The aid denial had been appealed by Governor Whitmer back in August.

Six months after an ice storm hit northern Michigan, some residents are still clearing debris, dealing with home repairs. Some companies, like tree services, are still in high demand and backed up. Direct financial assistance is limited for individuals

A number of community foundations are partnering with the Northern Michigan Community Action Agency to provide aid to those who suffered home or property damage by the ice storm in March.

Michigan experiences hundreds of thousands of lightning strikes each year and ranks 25th in lightning density per square mile, according to 2024 data.