UPDATE AT 3:30PM:
The National Weather Service now says that their alerts for tonight remain in effect until 10pm with freezing rain expected, and total ice accumulations of one to two tenths of an inch expected in portions of Northern Indiana and Southwest Michigan.
The freezing rain, possibly mixed with sleet, will change to rain later this evening as air temperatures climb above freezing. Authorities say you should plan on slippery road conditions for the afternoon and evening commute.
At the same time as that report from the National Weather Service, the Michigan State Police released this request:
The Michigan State Police Paw Paw Post urges motorists to use caution during the afternoon commute. First responders from multiple agencies within Van Buren and Kalamazoo Counties are responding to vehicle crashes due to deteriorating, icy road conditions. The Michigan State Police urge motorists to plan alternative routes home and allow ample travel time to safely reach their destinations.
(This is the original story, prior to those updates)
As freezing drizzle, rain and ice pellets continue to coat surfaces across Michigan’s Great Southwest, the impact is growing through the region. Lake Michigan College has announced plans to close for the day at 3pm this afternoon, Tuesday, January 22nd, 2019, several schools are canceling evening events and other businesses and organizations are starting to follow suit. The LMC cancellation also includes the LMC Board of Trustees meeting which will be rescheduled for a later date. A short while later Southwestern Michigan College announced that they would be closing at 4pm today for the rest of the day.
Police agencies are tackling a number of accidents and slide offs on streets, roads and highways, including huge backups near Stevensville and Union Pier as well as blocked lanes from the state line to Paw Paw and beyond. While a warm up is on the way that has the potential to melt it, those rising temperatures aren’t due in until after the sun sets tonight. Drive carefully, and remember it could be slick even if you don’t see it with black ice in some areas.
Baroda-Lake Township Police posted this on Facebook this afternoon: Avoid I-94. All roads are completely icy.
There has been over 15 calls for accidents. Most of them are around the 22mm and 23mm.
Lincoln Township Firefighters shared the sentiment and included a brief video, graphically showing how slick it is: https://www.facebook.com/LCTFD/videos/747053572334517/
You can see the latest impact through Closings & Delays here at Moody on the Market by clicking the link below: (remember to refresh your browser in order to see additions as they come in, or you may miss the updates as they arrive)
