Mackinac Bridge Shuts Down to Whiteout Conditions as High Winds Force Vehicle Escorts Across Northern Michigan

MACKINAC BRIDGE, MICHIGAN — Dangerous whiteout conditions have developed early this morning across the Mackinac Bridge, where blowing snow and powerful winds are severely reducing visibility and forcing officials to escort high-profile vehicles across the span.

A live image timestamped 8:00 a.m. on February 18, 2026, shows near-zero visibility along the bridge corridor. Snow is being whipped across the roadway, creating a wall of white that nearly obscures approaching headlights.

Whiteout Conditions Creating Hazardous Travel

The camera view from the bridge authority shows visibility reduced to just a short distance ahead. Snow appears to be blowing horizontally at times, a clear sign of strong crosswinds moving over the Straits of Mackinac.

In these conditions:

  • Lane markings become difficult to see
  • Depth perception is severely limited
  • Sudden gusts can push vehicles off track
  • Ice formation becomes harder to detect

Even experienced drivers can struggle when wind-driven snow creates sudden whiteout bursts.

High-Profile Vehicles Being Escorted

Due to the strength of the winds, officials are escorting high-profile vehicles across the bridge…

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