Michigan road conditions: 'Double whammy' of winds, temperatures making driving 'feel like a snow globe'
Road conditions aren't as bad for ice - but the wind is causing a problem
While less snow is falling than expected, it's the wind that will be pushing it around enough it could still cause problems for drivers. Diane Cross with the Michigan Department of Transportation asked drivers to do their part in making sure the conditions are good enough to travel on. Check Michigan.gov/drive for more info.
(FOX 2) - Southeast Michigan has traded one winter weather demon for another after projections for snow totals started falling overnight. But wind gusts will be blowing around whatever snow ends up falling.
According to Diane Cross with the Michigan Department of Transportation, driving around Metro Detroit will "feel like a snow globe at times."
"You will still find plenty of icy conditions downtown, but the big issue this morning will be the wind," she said. "Such strong winds coming across Metro Detroit that may end blowing whatever snow we do get around," she said. "Which could make viability dangerous."
Expect temperatures to feel well below zero this Christmas weekend.
While a Winter Storm Warning remains in effect for all of Southeast Michigan until Saturday morning, snow totals have fallen to around 2-4 inches. Some communities will get 5 inches further to the north, but a pocket of dry air that moved in overnight has reduced the severity of snow.
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However, wind speeds up to 55 mph will send temperatures plummeting and could create issues for plows trying to keep streets clear.
"You'll still want to be careful at bridges, ramps, and overpasses because anything that's above the ground where air can get underneath can get colder faster," Cross said. "And that's where you're going to find the icy spots and that's where we get spin-outs."
Winter weather Forecast: Snow totals falling but wind gusts will send temps plummeting
So far, the only major issue on the roads was a crash in Lincoln Park that blocked I-75.
Oakland County road crews expect to be salting, plowing for next 36-48 hours
Road crews from Oakland County considered the work done overnight a success after many of the streets remained ice-free Friday morning. That may not last however, as the 'double whammy' of wind and temperatures may make any snow and ice melt refreeze.
Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw said officers have been responding to fewer crashes than they normally see on a Friday, which is likely due to less holiday travel and effective salting of the roads overnight.
But don't expect road conditions to remain smooth for long, he said.
"We always knew as we were watching the storm this wasn't going to be a snow event. It was going to be a wind and cold event," he said. "But we're getting to the point now where salt is not going to work anymore."
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A big reason is any snow that's falling won't remain on the road. Strong winds will continue blowing snow around, preventing roads from staying clear and salt from being as effective.
He also advised anyone that does end up in an emergency situation to remain in their car since many of the fatalities that MSP respond to are "those secondary crashes" that happen after a less severe initial wreck.
Strong winds may inhibit road salt as day goes on, state police warn
While the snow is lessening in its projections, there's plenty to be wary of while driving on the road. The pavement isn't too slick as of Friday morning, but strong winds and cold temperatures may prove to be less effective as the day continues.
The Oakland County Road Commission also saw a lot of success in its overnight preparation, spokesman Craig Bryson said.
"We're going to be working 16-hour shifts," he said. "We got their right when the rain changed to snow and freezing - got a big dose of salt down. We've been struggling with the wind right now."
It was a completely different story on the west side of the state, which was hammered with snow for much of the evening. According to state troopers on the west side, one squad car was struck and nine semi trucks have crashed.
Anyone looking for the most up-to-date conditions can find them at Michigan.gov/drive. FOX 2's traffic page is also tracking updates from MDOT and around the Metro region.