DETROIT – A wet, slushy snow has taken over most of Southeast Michigan on Wednesday, but the mess isn’t done taking shape.
About half of the area saw some wintry mix and rain after the overnight snowfall, which peaked around 7 inches in parts of Oakland County. The roads were mucked up with wet, heavy, slushy snow.
The good news -- salt trucks should be able to treat freeways and major roadways effectively. It’s not that cold.
But it will be cold enough for all of that slush on your walkways to freeze, with temps dropping below freezing around 5 p.m. on Wednesday afternoon and overnight. Plus, more snow is expected in parts of the area through 4 p.m.
---> Snow changing to a wintry mix, then back to snow for Metro Detroit on Wednesday
That means it’s a great time -- if you can -- to clear your pathways, before they turn to solid ice.
Your evening commute will likely be pretty slick, so pack a few more minutes of patience.
Safe shoveling
Of course, it’s a heavy snow for most, which presents health risks. So be careful out there. Fortunately, there are ways to guard your heart and reduce your likelihood of injury by taking the proper precautions before shoveling show.
Here’s how to do so safely:
Anticipate the elements
- Dress warmly and in layers, especially if it’s below 25 degrees.
- Avoid overdressing. This can lead to overheating — another way to stress the heart during exertion.
- Shield your face and mouth with a scarf or mask. This kind of protection is essential because cold air striking the face triggers a reflex action: The cold causes a reflex constriction of the coronary arteries and an increase in blood pressure.
Don’t overdo it
- Do a simple warmup, such as walking briskly, or shovel only small scoops of snow at first.
- If the snow is light, consider putting away the shovel and using a broom.
- If the snow is heavy, lighten the work — and the burden on your heart — by shoveling only small scoops so you are lifting less weight per scoop.
- Take frequent breaks to lower your heart rate.
Listen to your body
- Readjust your clothing if you feel too hot or cold.
- If you’re feeling flushed and overexerted, stop shoveling, cool down briefly by marching in place and then go inside.
If you experience any of the following, discontinue shoveling immediately: shortness of breath, feeling weak or lightheaded, heart palpitations, or chest or arm discomfort. It is sometimes difficult to distinguish arm and chest pain from muscle strain and heart pain, so stop with the onset of any type of pain. (Thanks to University of Michigan Health for the health tips).
---> 43 counties in Michigan under winter weather alerts due to accumulating snow