Crashes abound following Ann Arbor snowfall; next up: possible thunderstorm
Multiple crashes have been reported on Interstate 94 today in the wake of Friday night’s snowfall in the Ann Arbor area.
One crash forced the closure of eastbound Interstate 94 east of Zeeb Road on the west side of Ann Arbor about noon. Emergency crews had been dealing with many crashes along I-94 from Ann Arbor to Ypsilanti all morning, a dispatcher with the Washtenaw County sheriff's department said.
Snow that fell in the Ann Arbor area Thursday and Friday will be melting Sunday as warmer temperatures and rain move in.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
The Washtenaw County Road Commission is out clearing roads, dispatchers said, and had been working all night. Few accidents were reported overnight, she said.
The National Weather Service reported Ann Arbor had received 2 inches of snow on top of an inch already on the ground from Thursday’s snowfall.
The snow isn't likely to stick around long though. After a mostly sunny day today with a high near 22, warmer temperatures and rain will be moving in Sunday. The low will drop to 13 tonight, but temperatures will climb to around 40 under mostly sunny skies Sunday. Rain and perhaps even a thunderstorm are expected Sunday night with a low around 37.
For updated forecasts and conditions anytime, check AnnArbor.com's weather page.
Comments
Fat Bill
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 9:07 p.m.
Everybody who lives on a shady country road remember that when the rain hits, your road will be essentially impassable until the water breaks up the compacted snow and ice underneath. Not a whole lotta friction available with wet ice...
Ann English
Sun, Jan 22, 2012 : 11:23 p.m.
"Shady country road" with snow on it? Sounds like an evergreen-lined road. I've seen such a driveway before, but never a road. After a shower in the summer, rain continues falling off the deciduous trees' leaves. By "friction" I think you mean "traction". Cars can slide sideways on wet ice.
Dog Guy
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 8:39 p.m.
Michigan snow: As Job noted, "The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh away."
leaguebus
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 8:36 p.m.
I guess this is why AA plows have not cleared the side streets on the west side? All they had to do was plow this morning and the sun would have made the street clean and dry. Now it is slushy and ice covered. I love AA but basic city services suck.
tdw
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 4:36 p.m.
I'll tell you what....if we had a winter like we had when I was a kid ( 30+ years ago ) THAT would be strange.Gotta love Michigan.
Dog Guy
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 8:41 p.m.
Yeah, when I was 3 Michigan had drifts way over my head.
JGS
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 5:17 p.m.
Do you remember the blizzard of '78? I remember making huge snow tunnels with my parents that we ALL could stand up in! It was amazing.
obviouscomment
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 4:02 p.m.
This is the strangest winter I can remember.
JGS
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 3:47 p.m.
Just a reminder from the Michigan Department of Transportation (and I quote): "Precautionary/preparedness actions... The Michigan Department of Transportation reminds motorists to adjust speeds based on the conditions... and to take it slow in ice and snow." To all the hard working crews from all cities and counties, thank you for your hard work and dedication!
justcurious
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 7:05 p.m.
JGS, don't fret about the plow drivers. They are paid very well for their work. That's their job. My criticism goes to their employer, and those commissioner's who are not elected by the people. No one can tell me that the number of accidents that we have every single time it snows in this county are strictly bad drivers. All you have to do is drive over the county lines to see that all of the counties around us are getting better services, and more than likely for less money.
steve h
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 5:58 p.m.
Yes. They do a thankless job. But most of all learn to drive in the snow and you won't have any worries. I'm justcurious. Are you able to drive in the snow?
steve h
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 5:54 p.m.
Whew. Glad we got just curious insight. It's not a commentary until we get that
JGS
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 5:16 p.m.
@justcurious - nope, brought to you by me. I have no affiliation with WCRC, but I do have compassion for the hard working men and women that get called on a whim in the middle of the night to clear roads. I used to complain about them, but I took a step back and looked at what they do and how it's a thankless job at times. Positive thinking is powerful.
justcurious
Sat, Jan 21, 2012 : 4:01 p.m.
This message brought to you by the Washtenaw County Road Commission.