(WWJ) The message today: Slow down and keep plenty of distance between yours and other vehicles when it's snowing.
Michigan State Police reported more than a dozen crashes on metro Detroit-area freeways, early Wednesday afternoon — everything from simple spinouts to major accidents.
At noon, the worst of the incidents had all Express lanes blocked on westbound I-96 after M-39, with an overturned gravel hauler on the freeway.
The MSP Metro North post tweeted: "So not to surprise anyone, but it is beginning. A couple of flakes and already 13 crashes across the district including two overturned semis. So far just some minor injuries. Remember, slow down!"
The I-96 crash was cleared a little after 2 p.m.
MSP says it's common for people to blame snowy roads when they get into a crash, but that the driver is always the reason for the crash — not the weather.
To stay out of the ditch when roads are slick, police urge drivers to accelerate and brake smoothly and gradually. No stomping on the brake or gas pedal.
Also important, MSP says; Avoid distractions! Taking your eyes off the road for even a few seconds robs you of precious reaction time. Put your phone away and don’t try to multitask. Get more tips here.
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As for the forecast, WWJ AccuWeather Meteorologist Dean DeVore says as a storm that will become a blizzard on Eastern Seaboard moves through the Ohio Valley on Wednesday, so light snow and flurries are getting pushed up here to metro Detroit.
There should not be too much accumulation in Southeast Michigan, though,
"Some areas, especially south of (Detroit) could pick up an inch or so," DeVore said, "with slick spots on untreated surfaces as well."
Temperatures will get up only to around 34 degrees on Wednesday, although it will feel more like the 20s.
DeVore said it will remain seasonably cold in metro Detroit Thursday and Friday, with lingering flurries, and then snow showers in the forecast on Saturday.
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