This is easily the worst ice storm in modern times — in the last 50 years — and you have to go back all the way to 1922 to find something even remotely close,” said Harold Dippman, meteorologist with the National Weather Service office in Gaylord.

GAYLORD, MI – Northern Michigan got hit with a major ice storm this past weekend, leaving ice-covered trees and power lines throughout. Thousands are still without power as crews continuously work to fix the damage through the grueling weather.

Residents in the most severely affected areas are being encouraged not to travel unless necessary and to watch for downed wires and work crews.

Progress was being made mid-week in returning power to thousands across Northern Michigan. Meanwhile, the Michigan National Guard has been deployed to help with recovery efforts.

Schools across Northern Michigan are shutting their doors for the remainder of the week as communities grapple with the lingering impacts of this week’s devastating ice storms.

Following a string of ice storms which tore through the northern Lower Peninsula over the weekend, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expanding her initial state of emergency and deploying the Michigan National Guard to help clear roadways and areas overcome by debris.