Snowy Conditions Arrive in Oakland County, Michigan!
Hey there, Oakland County residents! Winter is officially here, and it looks like it’s ready to stick around for a while. If you’ve ventured outside today, you’ve probably noticed the white stuff falling from the sky and making things a bit slippery. Accuweather’s own Joe Lundberg gave a friendly reminder that even a little snow can make roads hazardous. He mentioned, “In any heavier shower that comes through, you can get a quick coating to an inch of snow in places, and that can cause some slick spots on the pavement.” So, if you’re planning a trip to the mall or any store, make sure to give yourself some extra time to navigate the wintry roads!
Beware of Reduced Visibility!
A quick heads up: the National Weather Service reported that an “organized snow band” has formed along I-96, affecting areas from Howell to Novi. This band is moving east at a speedy 30 miles per hour, and visibility can drop to less than one mile in these areas in no time. This could make for a tricky commute, so if you’re out and about today, be sure to use extra caution.
Tales from the Road
Unfortunately, the slick conditions have already led to some accidents. Just Friday morning, a whopping 12-car pileup occurred on I-96 near Kent Lake Road! The Lyon Township Fire Department rushed to the scene following a chain reaction collision that began when one vehicle smacked into the median wall and spun around. Thankfully, there were only minor injuries with no hospital visits necessary, but ten vehicles had to be towed away. Not a great way to start the holiday shopping season, right?
In another incident, Michigan State Police had to shut down I-696 at Orchard Lake in Farmington Hills temporarily to allow the maintenance crews to apply salt. The good news? The road reopened less than an hour later.
Safety First!
Given the snowy conditions, State Police are urging everyone to be mindful while driving. They shared some friendly safety tips to keep all of us safe on the roads:
- Slow Down! Drive at a speed where you can maintain control of your vehicle.
- Increase Your Following Distance: This way, if you do start to lose control, you have enough space to regain it.
- Prepare Your Emergency Kit: Make sure you have it in your car just in case.
They also reminded us to buckle up, put our phones down, move over for emergency vehicles, and, of course, to be kind to one another on the road.
Winter Wonderland Across the State
While Oakland County is just getting its snowy feet wet, Northern Michigan has already seen some downright historic lake-effect snowfall! Sault Ste. Marie in the Upper Peninsula was buried under 23 inches of snow, while Traverse City saw between six to eight inches. According to NWS Gaylord, this lake-effect event could rank as one of the top five all-time events over a few days. Pretty impressive, right?
Weather Alerts in Effect
If you’re in Northern Michigan, take heed: a Winter Weather Warning is ongoing throughout the weekend, and expect dangerous travel conditions. As for us here in Oakland County, be prepared for snow showers on-and-off for the next ten days. Yes, you read that right—ten whole days of winter fun!
So, as you grab your coat and head out for some holiday shopping or festivities, remember to stay alert and drive carefully. Keep your radio tuned in for the latest traffic and weather updates because it’s going to be quite the snowy ride ahead!
