Rain, Icy Temps Create Hazardous Road Conditions
GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ/AP) - Rain combined with falling temperatures created dicey driving conditions in some parts of Michigan on Tuesday, while heavy snow was expected up north.
Traffic was backed up in both directions along the Lodge Freeway in Detroit after several spinouts, while crashes also were reported in western Michigan.
Blowing snow was expected to add to the slippery driving conditions, according to the National Weather Service office in Grand Rapids. A wind advisory was in effect until Tuesday evening in southeast Michigan, with gusts expected to reach 45 mph.
WWJ AccuWeather Meteorologist John Feerick said it would remain windy and cold Tuesday night with a few snow showers possible. The overnight low is 17 degrees -- feeling more like 0 with the wind chill.
Forecasters said northern Michigan could get about 8 inches of snow, or more in places, through Wednesday. School districts scattered around the state decided to cancel some classes and several athletic events.
Meanwhile, blowing and drifting snow reduced visibility in the Upper Peninsula. Police urged people to avoid traveling between Marquette and Munising. About 6 inches of snow fell Monday night on Escanaba in the Upper Peninsula with up to 2 inches more expected Tuesday, the Daily Press reported.
"The normal is around 10 inches for this month and we're around seven," said Megan Dodson, a meteorologist for the weather service's office in Marquette. "A similar system will be moving in next week."
Feerick said Wednesday would be brisk and overcast -- but no additional snowfall is expected until Friday.
For the latest forecast, keep it tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for traffic and weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s. Check the CBS Detroit weather page for the extended forecast and up-to-the-minute information.
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