Livingston Joins Oakland, Tuscola, Midland, Huron, Shiawassee, Monroe and More as Icy Conditions Worsen Michigan Winter Weather Advisory: What You Need to Know

Published on December 27, 2025

Livingston has joined Oakland, Tuscola, Midland, Huron, Shiawassee, Monroe, and several other Michigan counties under a Winter Weather Advisory as icy conditions continue to intensify across the region. The National Weather Service issued the advisory in response to a mix of freezing rain, sleet, and snow expected to coat roads, bridges, and sidewalks, creating hazardous travel conditions. Ice accumulations of 0.1 to 0.2 inches are likely, with locally higher amounts possible, enough to make early-morning commutes particularly treacherous. Even slight temperature variations can cause precipitation to switch between rain, sleet, and freezing rain, making conditions unpredictable across the affected counties.

Residents and travelers are urged to exercise caution, reduce speed, and allow extra time for travel while monitoring updates from the National Weather Service. The advisory, effective from 5 a.m. to 4 p.m. EST on Friday, December 26, covers 17 Michigan counties, including Midland, Bay, Huron, Saginaw, Tuscola, Sanilac, Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Wayne, Lenawee, and Monroe, highlighting widespread winter hazards and the potential for icy roads, slips, and minor power disruptions.

Forecasters are warning of widespread freezing rain as the primary hazard, accompanied by brief periods of sleet and snow in some areas. Total ice accumulation is expected to range from 0.10 to 0.20 inches, with localized higher amounts possible. Snow and sleet could add up to approximately one inch in certain locations, particularly across the northern Thumb region. Residents should prepare for slippery surfaces and plan for potential delays during morning travel.

Why Even Small Ice Accumulations Pose a Major Risk

Ice accumulation of one to two tenths of an inch may seem minor, but it is sufficient to create highly dangerous conditions. Roads, bridges, ramps, and sidewalks that remain untreated can quickly become slick, sharply increasing the likelihood of vehicle collisions and pedestrian falls. Early-morning travel is especially risky, as road surfaces can remain colder than the surrounding air, allowing ice to persist longer than expected.

The exact amount of ice accumulation can vary significantly over short distances due to subtle differences in temperature within the lower atmosphere. This variability can lead to localized pockets of sleet or snow, even within the same county. These micro-scale differences make predicting hazardous locations challenging for meteorologists and emergency response teams. Ice accumulation across the advisory area is generally expected to range between 0.10 and 0.20 inches, but some spots may see slightly higher totals.

Potential Power and Travel Impacts

While the risk of widespread power outages is relatively low, freezing rain can coat tree branches, power lines, and other elevated surfaces, potentially leading to localized power disruptions. The primary concern for Southeast Michigan remains dangerous travel conditions rather than significant structural damage. Drivers and pedestrians should remain vigilant, as slick surfaces can persist even after the advisory ends if temperatures remain near or below freezing.

Winter precipitation of this nature not only increases the likelihood of traffic accidents but can also slow emergency response times and disrupt public transit schedules. Travelers are encouraged to account for additional commute time and remain attentive to updated road condition reports throughout the day.

Safety Guidelines for Drivers and Pedestrians

Authorities are urging residents to take precautionary measures, particularly during the Friday morning commute and the post-holiday travel period. Recommended steps include:

• Drive cautiously: Reduce speeds, increase following distance, and avoid sudden steering or braking maneuvers. Bridges, ramps, and overpasses are prone to icing first and should be approached with extra care.
• Prepare vehicles: Ensure tires, batteries, windshield wipers, and other visibility systems are winter-ready. Keep essentials in the vehicle, such as an ice scraper, flashlight, blanket, water, and a fully charged phone.
• Maintain distance from snowplows: Give snowplows ample space, passing only when it is safe and visibility is sufficient.
• Pedestrian precautions: Watch carefully when walking on stairs, sidewalks, and driveways, as thin layers of ice can be nearly invisible and extremely slippery.

Historical transportation data underscores the risks associated with winter weather. Adverse conditions contribute to thousands of fatal crashes and hundreds of thousands of injuries each year, highlighting the critical importance of careful driving and pedestrian vigilance.

Monitoring Conditions and Staying Informed

The Winter Weather Advisory is scheduled to remain in effect until 4 p.m., but ice may linger on untreated surfaces if temperatures remain near or below freezing after the precipitation ends. Residents are advised to stay informed by checking updates from the National Weather Service and monitoring local road conditions before traveling.

Areas most at risk include the Tri-Cities, the Thumb, and Metro Detroit, where early-morning commuters may face the most challenging conditions. By staying alert, adjusting travel plans, and taking necessary precautions, residents can reduce the risk of accidents and safely navigate the icy conditions expected on Friday.

Livingston joins Oakland, Tuscola, Midland, Huron, Shiawassee, Monroe and more under a Michigan Winter Weather Advisory as icy conditions worsen, with freezing rain and sleet creating hazardous roads and travel risks across the region.

As icy conditions continue to affect Livingston and surrounding Michigan counties, residents and travelers are urged to stay alert and take precautions. Slowing down, allowing extra travel time, and monitoring updates from the National Weather Service can help reduce the risk of accidents and slips. With freezing rain, sleet, and snow expected throughout the advisory period, careful planning and vigilance remain essential for safety across the region.