The Mackinac Bridge is closed Monday morning to most traffic because of high winds in the area, bridge officials said in an online post.
“Currently we are experiencing winds of sufficient force (50 – 64 mph) in the Straits area to close the Mackinac Bridge to all vehicles except passenger cars, passenger vans, and empty pickup trucks (no tonneau covers, bed caps or similar items are permitted),” the Mackinac Bridge Authority said “Winds are blowing across the bridge surface in excess of 50 miles per hour. If you are planning to travel to the Straits area, please tune to AM radio 530 or 1610 for updates.”Bridge officials said motorists are being instructed to reduce their speed to 20 mph as they approach the bridge and should be prepared to stop.
“Bridge personnel are stationed at both ends of the structure to provide instructions regarding how and when to proceed across the bridge,” the Authority said.
The National Weather Service Gaylord office said winds are expected to strengthen today.
“Winds will strengthen later this morning thru the afternoon- likely causing blowing/drifting snow, especially in open areas,” the weather service said. “Combined with snow showers, poor visibilities will be possible at times thru today. Winds shift to support lake effect snow tonight across the NW snowbelts.”
All of the Lower Peninsula is under a wind advisory today and the Great Lakes are under a gale warning, the NWS said. Some locations are expected to see gusts of at least 55 mph.
The Authority it is monitoring wind speeds at various points along the structure and will take additional steps if conditions change.
“When conditions improve, the bridge will be reopened to all vehicles, although certain vehicles may still require an escort,” the Authority said.
The Authority’s bridge cams, which are updated throughout the day, show cars traveling on the bridge Monday morning while using only the outside asphalt lanes of the structure.
The Authority required escorts for large vehicles overnight Sunday, but added the additional restrictions Monday morning.
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Mackinac Bridge Authority restricts traffic because of high winds