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Fog, Standing Water Cause Problems Saturday Morning

DETROIT (WWJ) -  Rain fell on Metro Detroit overnight, leaving the area covered with a dense layer of fog Saturday morning.

The National Weather Service has issued a Dense Fog Advisory for the southeast Michigan region, in effect until noon Saturday. During this time, visibilities will frequently be reduced to less than one-quarter mile, creating hazardous driving conditions.

But fog isn't the only issue motorists will be faced with -- the rain also caused rapid snow melt, leaving areas of standing water on some local freeways and main roads.

MDOT Spokesperson Diane Cross said drivers should be prepared to slow down as they encounter pools of water, or try to avoid them all together.

"Any time that we have any kind of rain, the low-lying areas like I-94 near M-10, that's where you're going to find some standing water. So, as usual, you need to be cautious, drive a little slower, pay attention to your surroundings and give yourself plenty of time so you can stop your vehicle in a wet condition," she said.

When you drive through standing water, your vehicle's tires lose contact with the road and you lose steering control -- commonly known as aquaplaning. If you happen to find yourself in a situation like this, hold the steering wheel lightly and take your foot off the gas pedal until the tires regain grip.

Cross said crews across the tri-county area started prepping the roads on Friday for the melting snow by clearing the storm drains and basins.

"We also have people standing by, should we start to see flooding. We've got engineers and extra crews to clean up any water that ends up being a real issue," she said.

For the latest from the roads, stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 during Traffic and Weather on the 8s, 24-hours a day. Check for recent traffic incidents now on the CBS Detroit Traffic Page.

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