A utility pole snapped at the base on Wednesday lies across a field in Fairbanks Township, south of Garden in Delta County, while power lines in the background are seen hanging low and covered in snow and ice. Fortunately, the landowner said, his cows in the field were unharmed. (Photo courtesy of John Stapleton)

A winter storm that brought snow and freezing rain to the central Upper Peninsula, causing schools to close on Wednesday, also resulted in car crashes and damage to power lines.

The weather warning, which had earlier been in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday, was yesterday evening downgraded to an advisory but extended in duration until 7 a.m. Thursday.