A wind advisory has been put in place for a significant portion of Michigan on Saturday, December 9, with wind gusts predicted to reach up to 50 mph in some areas of the state. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued the advisory for the Lower Peninsula, spanning from Cheboygan to Jackson, Grand Rapids, and Saginaw. The eastern portion of the Upper Peninsula, including Sault Ste. Marie, St. Ignace, and Mackinac Island, is also under the wind advisory.

Residents are urged to take precautions and secure any outdoor objects as well as exercise extra caution while driving, particularly for high-profile vehicles. The NWS warns that gusty winds blowing from the southwest have the potential to knock down unsecured items and tree limbs, potentially leading to isolated power outages throughout Michigan.

The NWS Grand Rapids office has stated that wind gusts ranging from 40 to 50 mph will sweep through much of Lower Michigan by early Saturday afternoon. The wind advisory is expected to remain in effect until 2 p.m. Saturday for 23 counties in central, south central, southwest, and west central Michigan, including Kent, Kalamazoo, Jackson, and Isabella counties.

As of 11 a.m., some cities located along Lake Michigan have already experienced wind gusts exceeding 50 mph. The Holland and Muskegon airports reported winds of 53 mph, while the Benton Harbor airport recorded winds of 52 mph, according to the NWS Grand Rapids Office.

In the northern part of the Lower Peninsula, the wind advisory will extend further into the day, expiring by 6 p.m. According to the NWS Gaylord Office, gusts of up to 50 mph are anticipated for northern regions, including Petoskey, Cheboygan, Grayling, and Cadillac. Power outages may occur throughout the day, and piers and jetties are expected to become hazardous.

The Saginaw area can expect peak gusts of 45 mph, with the wind advisory predicted to end by 6 p.m. The NWS Detroit station states that the strong winds in this region, which encompasses Midland, Bay City, Bad Axe, Saginaw, Caro, Owosso, and Flint, will be brief and are expected to subside in the evening.

The Upper Peninsula will experience gusty winds until 8 p.m. Saturday, as mentioned by the NWS. Gusts of up to 50 mph are anticipated in this area, affecting locations such as Mackinac Island, Bois Blanc Island, Beaver Island, and the surrounding western islands of the Upper Peninsula.