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High winds shut Mackinac Bridge to some vehicles

Posted at 1:34 PM, Mar 16, 2016
and last updated 2016-03-16 13:34:38-04

ST. IGNACE, Mich. (AP) — High winds prompted officials to close the Mackinac Bridge to all vehicles except passenger cars, passenger vans and empty pickup trucks.

Wednesday’s shutdown for semi-trucks and other high-profile vehicles came as winds higher than 50 mph were reported at the bridge that connects the Upper and Lower peninsulas. Drivers that are allowed to cross are required to go slower than usual.

The Mackinac Bridge Authority says it’s monitoring winds along the 5-mile bridge and will update its warnings for drivers as needed.

Winds gusting up to 60 mph are in the forecast for Wednesday across much of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula as thunderstorms move across the state. Consumers Energy has warned that power outages are possible. Snow is forecast in the Upper Peninsula.