DETROIT (WWJ) - Take it slow out there, folks, and be prepared for hazardous road conditions,
Cautious travel is advised for light icing on roads and freeways, Wednesday afternoon; particularly in suburban areas north of Detroit.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory in effect until 9 p.m. Wednesday in effect for central portions of Southeast Michigan between the I-69and I-96 corridors, where widespread freezing drizzle is expected to continue through this evening before transitioning to light snow showers.
Motorists were warned to anticipate rapid changes in road conditions and slippery spots during the afternoon commute.
In a Special Weather Statement, NWS forecasters said patchy, light freezing drizzle would impact portions of southeastern Michigan along and south of the I-69 corridor. The statement covers Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Livingston, Washtenaw, Wayne and Lenawee counties, including the cities of Detroit, Pontiac, Warren, Ann Arbor, Owosso, Flint, Lapeer, Port Huron, Howell, Adrian, and Monroe.
With air temperatures ranging from the mid 20s to lower 30s, forecasters said light icing may lead to slick untreated roads particularly on bridges, exit ramps and overpasses.
As the afternoon drive began, icy roads were reported by drivers in Oakland, Lapeer, and northern Macomb County. Several crashes occured along freeways and major surface streets, including I-75 through Auburn Hills.
Among the trouble spots: M-59 was closed in both directions at Martin Luther King in Pontiac due to icy road conditions. Traffic was moving in that area again shortly before 5 p.m.
One tipster, calling WWJ Newsradio 950 from the Oxford/Lake Orion area said was "terrible" out there, with vehicles "sliding everywhere."
WWJ AccuWeather Meteorologist Dave Samuel says this is all due to a weak area of low pressure tracking north of metro Detroit, which is bringing just enough moisture to squeeze out some flurries, with a wintry mix possible in some areas.
How much ice or snow you'll see depends on where you're located.
"I expect a steady period of snow across our northern counties -- those will be Livingston, Oakland and Macomb counties," Samuel said. "Basically areas near or north of interstate 96 and 696 has the best chance to see some accumulation this afternoon, but not much more than a ground whitening."
Samuel said it'll be a chilly evening with flurries tapering off and a low of 27 degrees overnight. Thursday, he said, clouds will break up for a little sun and a high of 37, with sunshine in the forecast Friday and Saturday, and into the 40s.
Know before you go! Keep it tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for the latest forecast during traffic and weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s. >>LISTEN LIVE!
