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Alpena Today
By the People, for the People
Northeast Michigan hit with another ice storm
Alpena mayor calls for community support as cleanup efforts begin
Mar. 17, 2026 at 5:36am
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Residents in Northeast Michigan woke up to another damaging ice storm on Monday, just over a year after a major ice storm hit the region. The storm caused widespread power outages and significant tree damage, with early reports indicating a quarter inch to half an inch of ice accumulation. Alpena Mayor Cindy Johnson is calling on the community to come together and help with the cleanup process, as high winds and additional snow are expected in the coming days.
Why it matters
The back-to-back ice storms have taken a major toll on the region, with many residents still recovering from the previous year's damage. The repeated extreme weather events highlight the increasing frequency and intensity of storms due to climate change, and the need for communities to be prepared and resilient in the face of these challenges.
The details
The storm system that moved through the area on Sunday produced more ice than initially anticipated, with the National Weather Service reporting early measurements of a quarter inch to half an inch of ice accumulation in the Alpena area. This is slightly less than the up to one inch of ice seen during last year's storm, but still caused significant tree damage and widespread power outages. Alpena Power's outage map indicated over 14,000 customers were without power as of Monday afternoon. With high winds and additional snow expected on Tuesday, there are concerns that the remaining tree damage could lead to further power issues.
- The storm system moved through the area on Sunday, March 16, 2026.
- As of Monday, March 17, 2026 at 3 p.m., Alpena Power reported over 14,000 customers without power.
- High winds are expected to increase throughout Tuesday, March 18, 2026 and into Tuesday night, with the possibility of up to half an inch of additional snow accumulation.
The players
Cindy Johnson
The mayor of Alpena, Michigan, who is calling on the community to come together and help with the cleanup process.
Jeff Zoltkowski
A meteorologist with the National Weather Service who discussed the storm system and its impacts.
What they’re saying
“It is hard to believe Alpena has been hit by another ice storm after last year's once-in-a-hundred-year storm. Our city has taken another major blow with significant tree damage and widespread power outages.”
— Cindy Johnson, Mayor of Alpena
“Please take a moment to check on your neighbors and make sure everyone is safe. If you currently have power, count your blessings and consider helping those who may not.”
— Cindy Johnson, Mayor of Alpena
What’s next
With high winds and additional snow expected on Tuesday, there are concerns that the remaining tree damage could lead to further power issues in the Alpena area.
The takeaway
The back-to-back ice storms in Northeast Michigan highlight the increasing frequency and intensity of extreme weather events due to climate change, and the need for communities to be prepared and resilient in the face of these challenges. The repeated damage has taken a toll on the region, underscoring the importance of community support and cooperation during the recovery process.
