Detroit Evening Report: Ice storm damage could affect holiday travel up north, DNR says

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

A tree rests on the roof of a house in northern Michigan.

A tree rests on the roof of a house in northern Michigan.

Holiday travelers planning to venture up north for some time outdoors this weekend may be met with potential hazards and changes to the landscape following a recent ice storm, according to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Subscribe to the Detroit Evening Report on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The DNR says several trees and power poles snapped or fell over under the weight of an inch or more of ice during the severe northern Michigan storm in March, affecting nearly 1 million acres of state forest land.

The agency is warning those who haven’t traveled to the area since the storm that it may look different, and to look out for hazards or closures as a result.

“Crews have been working hard to reopen forest roads and trails and repair state facilities, and they’ve made a lot of progress so far,” said Kerry Heckman, public information officer for the DNR Ice Storm Response Team, in a statement. “We know everyone wants to get outside to enjoy Michigan’s great outdoors, and we want that, too. But it’s critical to use caution, steer clear of closed areas and be fully aware of your surroundings.”

Visit the DNR’s Ice Storm Response page for the latest closure information about state parks, trails, boating access sites and state forest campgrounds.

Other headlines for Friday, May 23, 2025:

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

Trusted, accurate, up-to-date.

WDET strives to make our journalism accessible to everyone. As a public media institution, we maintain our journalistic integrity through independent support from readers like you. If you value WDET as your source of news, music and conversation, please make a gift today.

Donate today »

Author

  • WDET reporter and producer Hernz Laguerre Jr.
    Hernz Laguerre Jr. is a Multimedia Journalist at 101.9 WDET. He is one of the co-host for "Detroit Evening Report," one of the weekend anchors for "Weekend Edition," the producer for our political podcast, "MichMash," and reports on arts, culture and politics.