Mackinac Bridge reopens after whiteout conditions, high winds prompt closure

MACKINAW CITY, Mich. – Winter weather is hitting the Mackinac Bridge area hard, causing the bridge to close briefly due to whiteout conditions.

The Mighty Mac reopened early Wednesday afternoon.

However, the bridge is currently requiring wind escorts on certain vehicles due to high gusts.

According to the National Weather Service, winds in the Straits area are gusting at 44 miles per hour, creating hazardous conditions.

Pickup trucks with campers; cars with small boats, bicycles or luggage attached to the roof; Ryder or U-Haul trucks; any vehicle pulling a boat; semi-tractors with enclosed trailers; and all trailers with side walls over 2 feet in height must be escorted.

Motorists are being asked to reduce their speed to 20 mph as they approach the bridge and be prepared to stop.