Motorists beware: Snow could turn afternoon commute into a giant headache in Ann Arbor area
Drivers may find themselves slipping and sliding on snow-covered roads and highways this afternoon.
Mother Nature is aiming her next winter blast at Ann Arbor in time to snarl the evening commute today.
Bryan Tilley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in White Lake Township, said snow will move into the area this afternoon, with the intensity gradually building between now and 3 p.m. The heaviest period will be between 3 p.m. and 6 p.m., with the snow gradually diminishing after that.
"It's getting its act together in southwest Lower Michigan now," he said about 11:30 a.m.
Snow will be heavy enough at times to significantly reduce visibility, he said. The weather service predicts a total accumulation of 1 to 2 inches.
The good news: Salt already spread on the roads should be effective at melting the snow with temperatures in the mid-20s.
Washtenaw County Road Commission officials are monitoring the storm, and crews will head out when the snow starts to fall, said Jim Harmon, director of operations. The normal workday there ends at 3:30 p.m., but crews will remain on duty past that time if needed, he said.
Once the storm passes, area residents can expect flurries throughout tonight.
And then, more snow is on the way. The National Weather Service is predicting a snowfall of 2 to 3 inches for Friday night.
For updated forecasts throughout the day, check AnnArbor.com's weather page.
Comments
Ryan
Fri, Jan 28, 2011 : 6:16 p.m.
Looks like the area might get around 3-4 inches of snow, according to SmartModel forecast for the area. View it at <a href="http://smartwx.net" rel='nofollow'>http://smartwx.net</a>.
Sallyxyz
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 10:01 p.m.
From AA dot com: "Earlier today, Bryan Tilley, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in White Lake Township, was predicting the day's heaviest snowfall from 3 to 6 p.m., with reduced visibility making travel difficult." I guess Jim Harmon doesn't listen to the national weather service reports. Why is there even a question about whether or not the crews will go home at 3:30 with this weather report earlier this afternoon?
dexterreader
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 9:49 p.m.
When will people realize that budget cuts need to come from somewhere?? Whether it's filling potholes or salting roads, if the money isn't there, the money isn't there. These are the same people who don't want taxes raised, refuse to vote for millages, etc. Well ... now you are seeing the results of your "voting" choices.
John B.
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 10:28 p.m.
Thank you! Finally, some sanity....
Sallyxyz
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 9:43 p.m.
"Washtenaw County Road Commission officials are monitoring the storm, and crews will head out when the snow starts to fall, said Jim Harmon, director of operations. The normal workday there ends at 3:30 p.m., but crews will remain on duty past that time if needed, he said." It's 4:30 and the roads are terrible, having just returned from driving on 23, the Huron Parkway and several city streets. I guess the road crews went home at 3:30. Crews will head out when the snow STARTS to fall? That is the problem! NO PRO-ACTIVE approach! You need to start salting/sanding or applying brine BEFORE the snow starts. After the snow starts is too late. But then, of course, the county can complain that the inadequate road maintenance during the storm is due to too much congestion! Blame the drivers! Blame the temperatures! But, never admit that you are starting the salting and plowing too late or that you sent your crew home too early! Or that you don't have enough trucks or materials or crews to adequately handle a few inches of snow! The county and city need to start being honest about why the maintenance is so poor this winter. I have talked to many, many residents and commuters this winter and they are all saying the same thing. The county and city are doing a terrible job of road maintenance this winter. If the budgets have been cut in this area, then the bozos who made that decision need to be fired. Public safety is the first priority. Cut some of those fat salaries and "extras" in the budget.
John B.
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 10:39 p.m.
The bozos that made that decision are the voters that want ever-increasing taxcuts, won't approve millages to pay for anything, but still want ever-increasing services. There's (still) no such thing as a free lunch, shockingly. Let's all try a little personal responsibility, and not drive like dummies when the weather gets bad. Be glad you don't live on the East Coast - seen what they are getting in terms of weather this Winter? New York City has now had 55 inches of snow, which more than doubles the previous record, which was set in 1925. We are getting nothing, compared to that!
Sallyxyz
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 9:32 p.m.
Kayjay, glad to hear it. However, the salting is inadequate. It is only snowing a couple inches today at the most, yet the roads are in terrible condition. More salting and plowing is needed, as has been the case all winter. Yes, drivers need to slow down and stop texting while driving, but there is no excuse for the continued poor road maintenance in the winter when only an inch or two of snow falls, almost on a daily basis. NEED TO USE MORE SALT!
John B.
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 10:46 p.m.
It sounds like you may feel that you could do a better job than the current Road Commissioner. I humbly suggest that you run for that office, rather than just complain repeatedly.
cibachrome
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 8:40 p.m.
Writers: Fresh batteries and oil for your wireless mouse. Start the letters now to complain about speeding and distracted drivers. Slow drivers with bald tires and fast food in you hands: start heading for the left lane now so as to impead as much traffic as possible.
Kayjay
Thu, Jan 27, 2011 : 7:12 p.m.
I saw the road crews being proactive for a change. At 12:30pm several trucks were generously treating Packard, Stone School, Eisenhower, Ellsworth. This was prior to the first snowflake.