Mackinac Bridge officials are warning drivers that high winds may cause problems for those crossing the 5-mile-long structure.
“Currently we are experiencing winds of sufficient force in the Straits area (20 – 34 mph) to issue a warning to all motorists preparing to cross the Mackinac Bridge”, the Bridge Authority announced on its website.
The central and western Upper Peninsula, and central northern Michigan north of Houghton Lake, are under a winter weather advisory for April 15. Most of the rest of Michigan is under a hazardous weather outlook.
“Wind gusts will complicate ice storm recovery operations,” the NWS said on its website.
The National Weather Service in Gaylord said winds across much of the northern Lower Peninsula could reach 45 mph at times on April 15.
The NWS said Cheboygan could see winds up to 41, as could Alpena, Gaylord and Petoskey.
The Marquette NWS office said winds in Munising could reach 44 mph, Grand Marais will see 45 mph, and Marquette will see 41 mph gusts.
Some areas could see wind chills of 10-15 degrees April 15-16.
The Bridge Authority said it is monitoring wind speeds and additional steps will be implemented if conditions change.
Which vehicles are susceptible to high winds?
Vehicles that are vulnerable to high winds include:
Pickup trucks with campers
Vehicles pulling trailers
Enclosed semi-truck trailers
What is the Authority asking drivers to do?
Motorists are instructed to reduce their speed to a maximum of 20 mph and utilize the outside lane with appropriate caution.
How can I find out bridge conditions while driving?
Residents planning to travel to the Straits area can listen to AM radio 530 or 1610 for updates.
How many vehicles pass over the Mackinac Bridge?
The Authority said 239,000 vehicles passed over the bridge in March 2024. In January 2025, 214,000 vehicles crossed the bridge.
Bridge traffic in August 2024 topped 640,000 — the most vehicles since at least 2014.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Mackinac Bridge asks drivers to slow, use 1 lane amid high winds April 15