GAYLORD, MI – Northern Michigan got hit with a major ice storm this past weekend, leaving ice-covered trees and power lines throughout. Thousands are still without power as crews continuously work to fix the damage through the grueling weather.

Downed trees and power lines after an ice storm in northern Michigan have led to the closure of several state parks in the region.

Given the circumstances, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has some recommendations on how to clean up yard waste and storm debris while staying safe. The key advice is: use proper tools for the task, and don't overestimate your ability.

Schools across Northern Michigan are shutting their doors for the remainder of the week as communities grapple with the lingering impacts of this week’s devastating ice storms.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has postponed a speech planned for Thursday in Washington, D.C. to respond to storm cleanup in northern Michigan.

Following a string of ice storms which tore through the northern Lower Peninsula over the weekend, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer is expanding her initial state of emergency and deploying the Michigan National Guard to help clear roadways and areas overcome by debris.