(WWJ) - A major winter storm bringing bitter cold and biting winds is snaring traffic all over Michigan with icy roads to blame for a growing number of crashes, including a warning for drivers to avoid traveling on a 100-mile portion of I-94.
Michigan State Police had their hands full across the state as blizzard conditions created sheets of ice on highways and blowing snow reduced visibility to also zero.
Impacts to travel are expected going into the holiday weekend as a Winter Storm Warning impacts Southeast Michigan now through 4 a.m. Saturday.
Troopers say if you must drive to get to your holiday destination, remember to drive slow and take your time in order to make the trek safely.
"For some reason Metro Detroit drivers' answer to everything is 'hit more gas pedal.'" MSP 1st Lt. Mike Shaw told WWJ's Jackie Paige. "That's not good for today so what we're just recommending to people... just take your time, that's the biggest thing that will save you."
The snow, while not as much as originally forecasted, is a major issue for drivers. Strong west winds will cause widespread blowing snow with the potential to reduce visibilities down to near white out conditions, the National Weather Service said.
Winds were forecasted to hit their peak late morning and into the evening hours on Friday. When mixed with plummeting temperatures, freezing slush and water on roadways can easily turn concrete into ice.
Troopers out in West Michigan were dealing with this exact result as officials blamed icy and deteriorating weather conditions for causing multiple-vehicle pile-ups, several jack knifed semis and a head-on collision involving a postal truck.
"US-131 N/B shut down at 84th due to a 10-12 vehicle crash, appears to be no injuries," troopers in the Sixth District advised. "Please find an alternate route."
The crash originally involved two vehicles, MSP said, but quickly went downhill as six other motorists crashed into them, with one even striking the fire truck on scene.
As of 1:15 p.m., MSP told drivers to stay off a roughly 100-stretch of 1-94 from New Buffalo to Battle Creek.
"Blizzard conditions are worsening. We need motorists to stay off I-94 both directions between (Berrien) New Buffalo & (Calhoun) Battle Creek until 4pm or later," MSP posted to social media. "Request only, not an order. Units need time to clear roadway of numerous crashes. Thank you."
MSP officially reopened the freeway around 5:30 p.m. but urged drivers to use caution, as road and weather conditions were still dangerous.
In Allegan County, northbound US-131 was shut down between Wayland and Byron Center following several crashes, including one where a semi truck slid and struck a patrol car. No injuries were reported. As of 6:30 p.m., the highway was still closed at Exit 64 to Wayland/135th St.
Shaw said if you find yourself caught in a crash or stranded on the side of the road, do not get out of your car.
"The first thing is you want to call 9-1-1 so we can get a trooper out to you to either investigate your crash, help you out or get a courtesy patrol if you have a flat tire or some engine trouble," he advised.
Shaw said staying in your vehicle with the seatbelt on is the safest pace you can be. The majority of fatalities after crashes occur when people get out to inspect damage on their vehicle or to get help.
"They got out of the car for whatever reason and can't judge freeway speed," Shaw said. "I've been doing this for 27 years and to this day, you're still shocked by how fast the car can approach you when they're actually doing freeway speeds."
Drivers up near the Upper Peninsula were no more immune to dangerous road conditions. The Mackinac Bridge Authority said no vehicles except except passenger cars, passenger vans, and empty pickup trucks are allowed to cross between the Upper and Lower Peninsulas as 50 mph winds rip through the Straits.
"Motorists are being instructed to reduce their speed to 20 miles per hour as they approach the bridge and be prepared to stop," authorities said in an update at 1:45 p.m. "Bridge personnel are stationed at both ends of the structure to provide instructions regarding how and when to proceed across the bridge."
"Passenger cars, passenger vans, and empty pick-up trucks are being permitted to cross, but drivers are asked to exercise appropriate caution," bridge authorities continued. "Strong winds are blowing across the surface of the bridge. Motorists are asked to drive 20 miles per hour or less"
Officials said bridge personnel are stationed at both ends of the structure to provide instructions regarding how and when to proceed across the bridge.
This is a developing story. Stay tuned to WWJ LIVE for the latest updates.
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