The National Weather Service issued an advisory stretching through Tuesday afternoon due to a mix of freezing rain, snow, and hazardous road conditions. As reported by The Detroit News, the chaotic weather has led to the closure of more than two dozen school districts with predictions of 4 inches of snow and icy roads laying the groundwork for dangerous driving conditions.
Issuing the warning, the weather service identified Howell, Pontiac, Warren, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Adrian, and Monroe among cities expected to bear the brunt of the winter onslaught with up to two-tenths of an inch of ice on the cards. Motorists have been advised to reduce their speed and exercise caution on the roads, which the icy weather seems determined to turn treacherous. As reported by Macomb Daily, numerous public schools have joined colleges in shutting down for the day in Macomb County.
Expecting hazardous conditions, especially during the Tuesday morning commute, the Detroit Public Schools Community District announced on its website that not only schools but also its central office would close, as they stated "dangerous driving conditions during travel to schools and work". This sentiment was echoed across other districts in the region, including Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, and Southfield, according to The Detroit News.
Temperatures are predicted to rise later in the week, which should bring some relief from the icy grip. Rain is expected to replace snow as highs reach into the 40s, as described by Macomb Daily. The shift in conditions may not come soon enough for drivers who face slick roads in the early hours of Tuesday, with temperatures hovering around the freezing mark and major roadways straining to stay clear of ice.
The wintry conditions are not only affecting the southeast but stretch across 38 Michigan counties. MLive reports moderate snowfall and slick roadways northward to the Saginaw and Bay City areas during the morning hours. As the day progresses, the weather should transition, with road conditions improving as temperatures push above the freezing mark.
