The freezing rain that created hazardous travel across Southeast Michigan earlier Friday has moved out of the region, allowing conditions to steadily improve through the afternoon. The Winter Weather Advisory has expired, and the 4Warn Weather Alert has been lifted as temperatures begin to rise above freezing in many areas.
While a brief period of light freezing drizzle lingered into the early afternoon, accumulating ice is no longer expected. However, drivers and pedestrians are urged to remain cautious in spots where temperatures are still hovering near 32 degrees, particularly on untreated roads, bridges, sidewalks and shaded surfaces.
Ice accumulation from the event generally ranged between a tenth and two-tenths of an inch. That is enough to create slick travel but below levels that would typically cause widespread damage. The highest reported totals included 0.21 inches in Port Huron, 0.19 inches in Kimball Township in St. Clair County, and 0.16 inches in Mundy Township in Genesee County. Detroit measured 0.14 inches of ice, while amounts closer to a tenth of an inch were reported in Adrian, Shelby Township, Novi, West Bloomfield, and White Lake.
Temperatures across much of Metro Detroit were slowly climbing above freezing Friday afternoon, helping to melt remaining ice and improve road conditions. Areas farther north and east, including parts of the Thumb, may remain closer to freezing into the night, allowing isolated slick spots to persist.
No hazardous weather is expected Friday night into Saturday. Saturday is forecast to be mostly quiet, offering a break from active weather.
This Weekend
Attention then shifts to late Saturday night and Sunday, when rain chances increase as a stronger winter system moves across the Great Lakes. Milder air is expected to keep precipitation mainly in the form of rain for Metro Detroit, while the Thumb and northern portions of the region could see a brief window of freezing rain early Sunday before temperatures rise.
Rain may become heavy at times Sunday into Sunday night. Behind the system, colder air will surge in late Sunday night and Monday, bringing gusty northwest winds that could exceed 40 mph. Periodic snow showers are possible Monday and Monday night, with some minor accumulation.
Colder conditions are expected to persist into Tuesday and Wednesday, with wind chills dropping into the single digits at times. The cold weather, with highs mostly below freezing, will continue after New Year’s Day.
Across the country: California faces wild storms, flooding, and tragedy
While Metro Detroit is watching for more precipitation, California has been slammed with another round of intense weather. Torrential rain led to dangerous flooding, and strong storms caused major damage throughout the state. Flooded roads were so severe that some drivers were spotted paddling through town in canoes. Evacuation orders were issued near Wrightwood because of mud and debris flows; and heavy snow brought travel to a standstill in other regions. The Sacramento area is mourning the loss of a sheriff’s deputy killed in a crash on a rain-soaked road.
Around the country, flight delays were reported in places like San Francisco, while Metro Detroit’s earlier wintry weather was moving over Ontario and the Northeast.
Officials often remind residents that winter weather risks extend beyond driving. Clearing ice and snow from vehicles before travel, wearing footwear with good traction and checking on elderly neighbors are encouraged during prolonged cold and icy periods.
Share your photos of ice and other wintry weather with Local 4 at MIPics.