Northern Michigan Hit by Snow Storm

The worst winter storm of its kind to hit Northern Lower Michigan in over 10 years has just moved out of the area. A major snowstorm moved into the area overnight. Lake effect snows, which occur almost daily until the lakes freeze over, joined the snowstorm last night and caused a pretty serious situation in my neighborhood last night.

We received 13 inches of snow over night and this, along with high winds, caused local residents a lot of problems. When banks of snow are built up on the sides of the road, the wind can cause the snow to fill the road between the two sides, level with the top of the snow banks. This is exactly what happened over night on most roads in Northern Lower Michigan. This resulted in many local roads closed by 3-4 foot snow banks. Tow truck drivers have been working non-stop pulling cars and trucks out of ditches and snow banks. A county snowplow was seen rolled over on one of the local highways early this morning.

Residents woke this morning to a Civil Service Warning, instructing us to stay home. Scrolling school closing announcements immediately followed the Civil Service announcement. The snow and blowing winds caused schools to be closed in over 100 districts. County and State offices were closed, as were local Colleges. Mackinaw Bridge, Michigan's 5-mile long suspension bridge was closed for several hours due to high winds. Wind gusts reached 69 MPH Sault Ste. Marie, in the Eastern Upper Peninsula.

Many roads were closed because of the drifted snow, and snowplows were having many problems trying to keep the roads open. The wind was blowing so fiercely, that the roads would blow closed again not long after the plows had cleared them, making the task an endless one.

There are several problems that result from storms like this. Open fields are allowing major snow blowing, and this results in serious white outs. This is called a white out, because the snow completely blinds you to your surroundings and all you see is the "white" snow. Driving in white out conditions is extremely difficult and dangerous. When there is a great deal of snow everything is the same color. It is very hard to determine depth and edges. With absolutely everything the same color - white - it is difficult to see things 3 dimensional. Determining deep spots or road edges is harder than you think. Even if you "know" a road, it can be difficult to drive.

There are several things you need to remember when driving in conditions such as this:

Don't do it if it is not necessary. Travel is dangerous, and repairmen and emergency vehicles need to be able to move around without the worry of unnecessary traffic.

If you need to travel, do so carefully. The speed limits posted are for good conditions, not all conditions.

Be prepared to stop. White out conditions can reduce your visibility to zero instantly. Be aware of your surroundings.

Give yourself extra time to get there. Driving will be much slower.

Do not tailgate. The car ahead of you can have trouble with no notice. So can you.

Let someone know where you are going and what route you will be taking. Let them know when you arrive at your destination.

Make sure you have plenty of gas in your car.Always carry basic emergency equipment in your vehicle such as a shovel, kitty litter (for traction) a blanket, and snow boots & gloves.