Treacherous Conditions, Multiple Crashes As Snow Strikes Metro Detroit

snow on Lodge Freeway
Photo credit Driving on the southbound Lodge Freeway near Evergreen Rd. (Photo: Sandra McNeill/WWJ)

DETROIT (WWJ) - Road conditions in metro Detroit quickly deteriorated as blowing snow hit the area Monday. A Winter Weather Advisory remains effect until midnight for all of Southeast Michigan, with four to six inches of snow expected. 

"Along every major freeway we have reports of slick conditions, reduced visibility and even lower speeds," WWJ Newsradio 950's Tracy McCaskill reported from WWJ 24-Hour Traffic Center, early Monday afternoon.

Tipsters calling the newsroom said speeds were reduced significantly to anywhere from 20 to 30 miles-per-hour slower than normal on area freeways. Surface streets were snow-covered and slick as well, as some may not have been treated. 

With this in mind, authorities urged everyone to stay home if possible.

Here's a look at traffic conditions in metro Detroit (last updated 8 pm):

  • I-96 the Jeffries WB before Livernois. Accident blocking the right lane and shoulder.

  • I-94 EB near Greenfield. Accident blocking the left lane and shoulder.

  • Romulus - Ecorse Rd. blocked E/W between Wayne Rd. and Cogswell by Accident. 

  • M-14 EB at Ford Rd. and at Beck Rd. Accidents in the median ditch

Other problems in the surrounding area:

  • None currently reported

Speaking live on WWJ, Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw said it's "nasty" out there, and those who don't need to be out should stay off the roads. For people who need to drive, he said it's essential to keep both hands on the steering wheel.

"Drive at a speed that's safe for road conditions...If you take your time, you'll be fine," Shaw said, reminding everyone to leave enough distance between your car and the car in front of you.  If you can't see the lines on the road, he said, it's safer to stay to the right.

"We do have extra troopers out; and some will be called over," Shaw added. "But actually traffic is lighter for us because a lot of the school districts let out even before the snow came, employers let people out, the State of Michigan closed. So a lot of folks closed even before this happened, so now there's just not a lot of traffic out there."

The Michigan Capitol is closed, as are all Secretary of State and most other state government offices. “This is about keeping all Michiganders safe,” said Gov. Gretchen Whitmer. “All motorists are encouraged to stay off of the roads. If you must be out, please drive safely in these dangerous weather conditions and be respectful of road crews working to clear snow and ice.”

Multiple Detroit-area communities have declared snow emergencies, which means residents must move their veheles from streets.  Many schools are closed, as well as some colleges and universities. <>
For the latest from the roads, keep your radio tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for live and local updates during traffic and weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s. >>LISTEN LIVE!

MORE: State Government Offices Close, Municipalities Declare Snow EmergenciesDetroit Offering Warming Centers, Other Emergency Winter ResourcesThe Great Debate: Wipers Up Or Down In The Snow?