Due to the inclement weather, GTB Government offices will be CLOSED on Tuesday, March 17, 2026. All in-person events for the day will be CANCELED unless otherwise stated.

Please check Regroup or the Snow Hotline (231-534-7669 for the current GTB Operational Status. 

GTB Government Notice of Closure – Tuesday, March 17

Due to expected severe winter weather conditions, Grand Traverse Band of Ottawa and Chippewa Indians Government offices will be closed Tuesday, March 17, 2026.

Community members are encouraged to stay safe and avoid traveling unless absolutely necessary and to continue monitoring weather conditions.

Emergency phone numbers for Grand Traverse Band departments are available at each building or by visiting:
https://bit.ly/GTB_EPN_092925

 

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Power Outage Information

 

Residents who lose power should report outages to their utility company immediately so crews know which areas are affected and can respond as quickly as possible.

 

Cherryland Electric: (231) 486-9200 or (800) 442-8616 Consumers Energy: (800) 487-5050 Great Lakes Energy: (231) 547-9601

 

• GTB Housing tenants: If you experience a power outage, please contact Steven Albert at 231-360-3478 and report the outage to your electric provider. Housing tenants must be without power or heat for 12 hours or more before being considered for covered emergency accommodations through Housing.

 

• GTB Homeowners: If you experience a power outage, please contact your electric utility provider directly and report the outage. Emergency room rates available for verified power outages, see below.

 

 

Resort & Lodge Emergency Room Rate  

A $50 emergency room rate may be available at the Resort and Lodge for Tribal Members experiencing a verified power outage. Power outages will be verified and must be applicable to the address listed on the Tribal ID. If the outage is found not applicable to the Tribal ID address, the Tribal Member will be responsible for the full Tribal Member room rate.

 

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Public Safety Weather Update

Forecast guidance from the National Weather Service indicates continued winter weather impacts across northern Lower Michigan through tonight and into Tuesday, March 17. Snowfall combined with strong winds may lead to blowing and drifting snow, reduced visibility, and hazardous travel conditions across the region.

 

The Blizzard Warning for Leelanau County and Charlevoix County has been extended until 8:00 AM Tuesday, and a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for the Traverse City area and Grand Traverse County. Strong winds combined with falling snow are expected to create periods of near-zero visibility and dangerous travel conditions overnight into early Tuesday morning.

 

Current forecasts suggest additional snow accumulation overnight, with gusty winds potentially reaching 40–50 mph in some areas. These conditions may cause difficult road conditions and the potential for isolated power outages due to wind impacts on trees and power lines.

 

Local agencies and utility providers are continuing to monitor conditions and respond as needed to ensure community safety and maintain critical services.

 

Residents are encouraged to take a few preparedness steps: • Charge phones and backup batteries • Keep flashlights readily available • Prepare for possible power outages • Avoid unnecessary travel if conditions worsen • Monitor trusted weather sources for updates

 

Family members, friends, and neighbors are also encouraged to check on loved ones during the storm, especially elders and those who may need assistance.

 

 

Fire Department Safety Reminder

With the recent snowfall, the Grand Traverse Band Fire Department would like to remind residents to check the outside vents on their homes. Snow accumulation can quickly cover or block vents and exhaust pipes.

Please take a moment to make sure the following vents are clear of snow and ice:

• Furnace vents • Dryer vents • Water heater vents • Gas appliance exhaust vents

 

Blocked vents can cause carbon monoxide to build up inside the home, which is a serious and potentially life-threatening hazard.

✔ Clear snow away from all exterior vents around your home.

✔ Ensure your home has working carbon monoxide detectors installed.

 

Taking a few minutes to check your vents can help protect your household and prevent dangerous carbon monoxide exposure. Please consider sharing this reminder with family, friends, and neighbors.

Stay safe and warm.

 

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Behavioral Health & Community Resources

If you or someone you know needs support or food assistance during severe weather, the following resources may be helpful:

Food Pantries
• Mobile Food Pantry – Feeding America West Michigan (https://www.feedwm.org/mobile-pantry-schedule/)
• 5Loaves2Fish - (https://www.5loaves2fishnmi.org/)
• Leelanau Christian Neighbors - (https://leelanauchristianneighbors.org/)
• Empire Food Pantry - (https://leelanauchristianneighbors.org/)
• Northwest Food Coalition – Find Food in Leelanau (https://northwestmifoodcoalition.org/leelanau/), Benzie (https://northwestmifoodcoalition.org/benzie/), Antrim(https://northwestmifoodcoalition.org/antrim/) , and Grand Traverse Counties (https://northwestmifoodcoalition.org/grandtraverse/)
• Charlevoix Community Resources - (Expanded-Community-Resource-List-Rev.-1-2025.pdf)

 

Warming Centers

Information on warming centers becomes available as resources are identified. The Michigan 211 Disaster Relief Center provides the most up-to-date information.

Charlevoix County Warming Centers: • Boyne City Hall – 319 N Lake Street, Boyne City • St. Matthew Church – 1303 Boyne Avenue, Boyne City

https://mi211.org/about-2-1-1/disasters

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Essential services will continue to operate as scheduled. Regular operations are expected to resume on Tuesday, March 17.

 

Please continue to monitor official Grand Traverse Band communication channels for any updates.