Some schools close after overnight snowfall and freezing rain
AnnArbor.com photographer captured this image of snowy roads in the Dexter area while riding on a Washtenaw County Road Commission snowplow Friday morning.
Daniel J. Brenner | AnnArbor.com
- Related story: Ann Arbor school officials stand by decision to keep district open Friday
- Related story: Live storm reports: Follow AnnArbor.com snowplow ride-along Friday morning
A winter storm that moved into the Ann Arbor area overnight left 1 to 2 inches of snow on the ground and a light glazing of ice in some areas, the National Weather Service said.
Most area school districts closed as a result. They included Dexter, Chelsea, Lincoln, Manchester, Milan, Saline, Whitmore Lake, Willow Run and Ypsilanti Public Schools and the Washtenaw Intermediate School District. Many private and charter schools were also closed as was Washtenaw Head Start.
Ann Arbor Public Schools decided to go ahead with classes today. District spokeswoman Liz Margolis said district officials had been monitoring the roads overnight, and crews have been clearing school parking lots and sidewalks.
"We’re very confident that we can get all the kids to school safely," she said.
Officials from Washtenaw Intermediate School District, which provides busing for Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Willow Run schools, have been assessing road conditions since 2 a.m., she said. They reported that roads are very passable.
Another round of snow will be coming through Friday morning, meteorologist Steve Considine with the National Weather Service in White Lake Township said. The total for the storm will likely be 1 to 3 inches, he said.
Areas to the north got more. Near Midland, 8 inches had fallen.
As of 8:20 a.m., emergency crews were dealing with several crashes on Ann Arbor-area freeways. They included crashes on eastbound Interstate 94 at Scio Church Road, westbound M-14 at Maple Road and eastbound M-14 to northbound U.S. 23 at the west triple-decker intersection. Those crashes were not blocking the freeways.
Crews were also still dealing with a jackknifed semi on northbound U.S. 23 north of Willow Road and had closed the southbound lanes of the freeway, a dispatcher with the Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office said at 8:35 a.m. The road was reopened by 9:30 a.m.
The number of crashes reported Friday morning had not been as high as officials feared, a dispatcher said.
A winter weather advisory remains in effect until noon. The storm system that left varying amount in Michigan was expected to move east and collide with a major storm that was moving up from North Carolina and expected to create blizzard conditions in the Northeast.
Two feet of snow was expected in Boston, while parts of New York were expected to get 18 inches.
Once the snow moves out of the Ann Arbor area, cold weather will move in. Temperatures were expected to drop to around 6 degrees Friday night with wind-chill values around 1 below zero. Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high near 27. Saturday night, the low is expected to be about 12.
Sunday will be warmer with partly sunny skies and a high of 35.
Charter and private school closings in Washtenaw County included:
- Ann Arbor Academy
- Arbor Prep High School
- Calvary Christian Academy
- CHS Group-Washtenaw
- Daycroft Montessori-Oakbrook
- Daycroft Montessori-Zeeb Road
- East Arbor Academy
- Emerson School
- Fortis Academy
- Greenhills School
- Gabriel Richard High School
- Go Like the Wind Montessori School
- Honey Creek Community School
- Huron Valley Catholic School
- New Beginnings Academy
- Oak Trails
- Rudolf Steiner Lower
- South Arbor Academy
- South Pointe Scholars
- Spiritus Sanctus Academy
- Saint Francis
- Summers Knoll School
- Washtenaw Christian Academy
Comments
RuralMom
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 1:08 p.m.
I am out in the NW portion of the county, our roads are barely touched, and that didn't start until 6:50am area. I drive a Grand Prix, I had no problem getting to work, on rural untreated roads. Slow down, take your time, and if you are late you are late!
A A Resident
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 1:06 p.m.
I hope the whiners have food and water stockpiled so they can survive this disaster of epic proportions.
Mr. Ed
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 1:21 p.m.
It appears we have a person in the city who is of a strong mind and will survive this snow disaster. Please take care of the weak and helpless in your city.
a2ta
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 1:02 p.m.
that hit and run was probably an Ann Arbor schools employee who couldn't be late for work!
a2roots
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:53 p.m.
The whining is ridiculous. The amount of snow that fell does not warrant closing schools. The only thing that is needed is for people to slow down. Yes the roads are crap, but gee it is winter and these conditions should not be unexpected nor lead to school closings. I do hope there are not any accidents but if there are it is still not a reason be critical of the decision to keep schools open. There are accidents every day when the roads are clear and the sun is shining.
towncryer
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:50 p.m.
Ahhh, it wouldn't be aa.com without the snarky "I'm better than everyone else because I didn't have a problem driving" comments. Lets hope snow tapers off like it's suppose to for afternoon driving.
towncryer
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 1:08 p.m.
LOL, no. Just the ones that feel the need to belittle others, you're good :)
Susan Montgomery
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 1:01 p.m.
Umm... If you're referring to my comment about Plymouth Rd and Huron Parkway I was only conveying road conditions, no snark intended.
Spicy Whitey
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:48 p.m.
I heard that AAPS didn't close because of the upcoming week-long break. Logical decision-making, Ann Arbor. I'm impressed. Because one day off school will really hurt the students.
Brad
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 1:08 p.m.
Yes, because of that well-known effect where ice is not slick the week before a break.
In doubt
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:48 p.m.
I don't understand this. The WISD is closed and with the transportation consortium that WISD runs, you would think it would be a unanimous decision for Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and Willow Run.
Susan Montgomery
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:44 p.m.
Just dropped off my son at Huron, Plymouth and Huron Parkway are fine, no worse than regular winter weather driving in Michigan.
maryfmasson
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:39 p.m.
Ann Arbor made the right call here. Just dropped my daughter off at school with no problems on the roads. We need to teach our kids that minor setbacks shouldn't keep them from their responsibilities: getting to school and later getting to work.
A2Momof3
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:33 p.m.
My husband just drove our daughter to school in his 4-Wheel drive truck and had to keep it in 4-Wheel drive the whole time. He said the roads are terrible, but good job Pioneer for clearing your lot completely.
Mr. Ed
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 1:16 p.m.
I drove 30 miles to work. I got up a little early to allow myself enough time to drive slower. I have a two wheel drive car. I saw many fast drives in ditches. I made it to work 30 minutes early. We live in Michigan we get snow, we drive in snow. Ann Arbor people get to school and work just leave early and driver slower you'll be ok. If you need a hug once you arrive ask I'm sure someone willhelp you feel better.
A A Resident
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:46 p.m.
I reckon that would make him better with weapons than my wife.
A2Momof3
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:40 p.m.
My husband drove for the army. Your wife must live in town.
A A Resident
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:36 p.m.
I guess my wife, who is on her way to work in her 2-wheel drive car, must be a better driver than your husband.
murphthesurf
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:29 p.m.
most of the students who attend A A PBLC.SCHOOLS live where theres paved rds. and the buses can get to them because the rds get plowed. however in the outlying areas the rds don't get plowed until all the main rds are done . this prevents the school buses from getting to them which means the schools will be half empty so why bother to open.?
A A Resident
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:27 p.m.
If you're worried about your teenager driving to school, this is fabulous opportunity to teach them some new and useful skills: Using public transportation, and walking in snow. LOL
Spicy Whitey
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 1:16 p.m.
Which is great, except that public transportation is late when the roads suck, and many students live too far from school to walk.
breadman
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:24 p.m.
Great driving weather for teens too learn how too drive and slow down. Just send them out the door early so there is no rush, I'm sure the school will let them in early!
greymom
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:21 p.m.
Really A2 Schools- you must not really care about everyone! It was wrong to not either cancel or have a delay. Why are we the only ones not smart enough?
dancinginmysoul
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:21 p.m.
It's very disappointing that AAPS are open, especially since the storm is not over and additional accumulation is expected this morning. To suggest teen drivers simply slow down isn't really taking into account all factors. Teenagers are inexperienced drivers who do not have the experience driving in wintery conditions. Also, not all students live within walking distance. It's not uncommon for the conditions to be different from the outlying areas and the city proper. You would think when it comes to our children the district would want to air on the of caution and work to ensure, as much as possible, their safety. It's very disheartening when this doesn't happen.
mike gatti
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:14 p.m.
This is amazing. There is an inch and a half of snow on the ground. Yes accidents may happen. Yes it may not be a good idea for teens to drive if you are concerned about their abilities and/or experience. However, there are other ways to school. It is warm and if you are close enough they could walk. We pay for bus service and I am sure if you are far enough the bus will take them. We have a great city bus system. We have cabs. You could drive them or pull them on a sled. All that is to say we have thousands of kids in the district and the minority drive themselves and everyone figures out how to get to school. We can handle this. We can handle the blizzard of February 8, 2013. I know we can if we just keep calm and take our time.
justcurious
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 1:22 p.m.
Mike, you're right. Ann Arbor schools were right. If the busses weren't going to have a problem then this is normal winter weather and everyone needs to realize that. It used to be just kids were whining about having to go to school, now it's the parents who never grew up.
mike gatti
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 1:06 p.m.
simply because I am not hysterical does not mean I am not a parent.
Anonymous Commentor
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:58 p.m.
@ bluetonguedlizard: Does the school bus pick up kids over on that side of town? Seems far enough that they would.
annmarie
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:46 p.m.
Clearly you don't have kids!
bluetonguedlizard
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:31 p.m.
please tell me how a child living on Northside Ave would get to Skyline by walking????
andy kelly
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:14 p.m.
Bad decision? Call A2 Schools @ 734.994.2200 and leave a message, since they are not open quite yet. However, after 8am they open and hopefully they will receive the ear of upset Ann Arborites. If you have the energy to write a comment here you must also have the energy to call the school and voice your opinion - correct?
observer
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:11 p.m.
It only takes one bad accident involving a student or staff and then APS will go on their defense mode, but then it is too late.......
jeepinkev
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:10 p.m.
If you don't think you child is safe going to school today, do whay my parents did for me, call your child in "sick" and let he/she stay home. That also means that you, being a responsible parent, needs to take off work and stay home with them. AAPS decided to stay open today, it was their call to make. If enough people keep their children home today, it might make them think twice in the future.
vintagetimes4me
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:08 p.m.
Here is the deal. Instead of just complaining about how they didn't close schools. Do something about it. Keep your children home. I am! Safety first. Momma said NO SCHOOL. End of problem.
Urban Sombrero
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:45 p.m.
I agree. I tried to take my High Schoolers but the roads were awful. I ended up calling them in for the day.
In doubt
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:27 p.m.
That is always how I felt also. I felt if something happened to my children they would get over it in no time at all............but I sure wouldn't have. Good thing that us parents always put safety first.
Lizzy Alfs
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:05 p.m.
I was on the roads this morning and it's pretty bad. There are a lot of cars in ditches on 94.
ThinkingOne
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 1:23 p.m.
Mr Ed So if someone else is driving too fast, and they hit your car or a school bus or a student waiting for a school bus, that doesn't count because they are at fault and not you? Interesting perspective. If my child were injured on the way to school I would not be comforted a whole lot by this non-logic.
Mr. Ed
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:55 p.m.
The cars are in the ditches because they drove too fast.
local
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:03 p.m.
Shouldn't the heading read, "All areas schools closed, except Ann Arbor!" Since this is a factual statement.
Brad
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:49 p.m.
Has anyone checked with Boulder?
mews
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 11:59 a.m.
This is highly irresponsible of AAPS. "We're very confident that we can get all the kids to school safely,"? Who are you to say that about teens who, more than likely, have been driving for less than a year. There is freezing rain falling outside. Not to mention the fact that the last time we were supposed to have a snowday (last Thursday, I believe) the road conditions resulted in several accidents involving AAPS buses and students.
Urban Sombrero
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:44 p.m.
@mike---"Don't have them drive"? For some of us, that's the only way our teens can get to school. My son has a reduced schedule due to medical issues. He doesn't go to first hour, so he doesn't take the bus. IF he doesn't drive himself, he doesn't get there. See the problem? And, he was one of the many kids who had an accident last Thursday. A student teacher at Huron rear-ended him. The bumper on our car is torn up because of it.
mews
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:26 p.m.
@mike, I understand where you're coming from. But the bus was 30 minutes late today, and that to me doesn't help further the claim of "safe" road conditions.
towncryer
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:15 p.m.
@ mike you've been posting all morning, how was your drive?
mike gatti
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:10 p.m.
They don't have to drive if you are worried then have 'em take the bus or drive them yourself or give them cab fare.
spm
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 11:55 a.m.
I've been out in it this morning and I didn't have any issues. Of course, I drive a Subaru that has snow tires, which can make a huge difference, as I did see someone stuck on a hill on Newport Rd. that I no issues getting up it.
mike gatti
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:09 p.m.
wait a minute. You were ready for winter? Good one.
Mr. Ed
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 11:53 a.m.
Get to school and get your education. Guess what your job won't close when the roads are bad. Just drive slower, walk or take the bus.
A A Resident
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 11:50 a.m.
" I really don't want my kids sliding around on their way to the bus stop and worry about the one who drives." Holy smokes, this is Michigan, and they're kids, not old people. Kids play on ice an snow.
ThinkingOne
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 1:18 p.m.
A A Resident Kids are free to play on the ice and snow. Doesn't mean traffic is safe. When I was a kid I played on the garage roof sometimes too; doesn't mean I would want a school bus there. Mike We will just re-route all the school buses through your driveway since you have only 1 1/2 inches of snow and no ice. Please keep shoveling as it is still snowing.
ViSHa
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:59 p.m.
what does "kids play in ice and snow" have to do with the roads?
Urban Sombrero
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:32 p.m.
mike gatti---it's not just snow. Maybe it is where you are but there's a layer of ice under the snow where I am. And, it's sleeting now. The roads are AWFUL.
dancinginmysoul
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:29 p.m.
Mike: (1) The storm isnt over; more snow is expecting this morning.(2) Snow totals are varying widely across the county, as well as surrounding counties (3) why do you care?
mike gatti
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:08 p.m.
drive them, give them car fare, give them bus fare, etc. worrying is ok but there are options. I just shoveled the walk and it is about an inch and a half of snow. We should cancel school for thousands of kids because we got an inch and a half of snow?
Urban Sombrero
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 11:54 a.m.
Do you have a teenager who drives? If not, please keep your opinion to yourself. I worry about my kids. SUE ME. As for the one riding the bus? Yeah. The bus never showed up. She just called me. It's 15 minutes past the time it should be there. RIDICULOUS.
Urban Sombrero
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 11:33 a.m.
I cannot believe Ann Arbor has school today. RIDICULOUS. Everyone around us is closed and they decide to stay open? I called and left a very "nice" voicemail for them. I'm beyond irritated at this. I really don't want my kids sliding around on their way to the bus stop and worry about the one who drives. He got rear ended last Thursday (another day school should have been closed). People just do not know how to drive in this. My work day bombed out yesterday. I don't have patients until almost noon. At least some people have their heads on straight.
vintagetimes4me
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 1:24 p.m.
I was a school bus driver for 24 years. They would put us on the road when we knew we should not be. Buses DO SLIDE. No matter how safe I was -- I was lucky nothing ever happened. Now with a child myself & older mom let me say I agree with you 100%. Safty Comes before anything. Our daughter was called in sick. SNOW DAYS ? safe at home kids.
Urban Sombrero
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:31 p.m.
In doubt.....I went to take my oldest two to school (bus rider came home after the bus was more than 15 minutes late) and my car was iced over under the snow. It was a fairly substantial amount of ice. We got 1/4 of the way to Huron and I turned around. I think the roads are awful, and I'm one that normally likes driving in snow. I called them both in. Forget this. They can have a free day.
In doubt
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:23 p.m.
I totally agree with you Sombrero. I was up a lot last night, and the freezing rain went on for hours. I live close to a main road and it hasn't been touched yet at 7:23am.
Urban Sombrero
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 11:55 a.m.
Aaaand, the bus is either running incredibly late or just didn't come. My daughter called me from the stop. As of now, the driver is 15 minutes late.
thecompound
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 11:26 a.m.
AA.com, please do a follow up and report why AAPS decided to stay open. And has anyone been on the roads?
RuralMom
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 1:04 p.m.
Obviously AAPS has enough students in TOWN to make it to school with a head count that will be counted/recognized, if it falls below a certain point, it was all in vain. Now Chelsea, Dexter, Whitmore Lake, Milan, etc., have lots of students in RURAL areas, making it a much more dicey proposition.
A2Girl63
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:43 p.m.
She will give you a canned answer. Its not like Green is around eigher . AAPS proved again they do not care about the students and staff .
towncryer
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:12 p.m.
The Liz Margolis sound bite or the real reason? Also, report the attendance of ALL in administration (yes, even THAT one)
A2Girl63
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 11:22 a.m.
Too bad AAPS doesnt care about student or staff safety. The only district open.
tdw
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:24 p.m.
Ooops sorry,I just read the list not the article.I'll admit I jumped the gun on my comment,sorry
In doubt
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:20 p.m.
Ypsilanti, Willow Run, Lincoln are closed. Only Ann Arbor Public is open. WISD is on the closed list. Go figure...........?
twizz1
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:07 p.m.
tdw i think this list hasn't been updated, myfoxdetroit.com is showing all ypsi school districts as closed
tdw
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 11:58 a.m.
" The only district open " You may hate to admit it but Ypsi exists, and I don't see any Ypsi schools on the list
mike gatti
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 11:32 a.m.
No we are not turning into New York City. Ann Arbor is far from New York City.
jns131
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 11:26 a.m.
I could not agree more. Over 600 schools closed. This includes all schools surrounding the Ann Arbor area and Ann Arbor is OPEN. Welcome to Ann Arbor. Schools never close here. Guess we are turning into New York City. That city never sleeps. Happy driving everyone.
vida
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 11:15 a.m.
How can everything around Ann Arbor be closed and Ann Arbor Public not be??? Idiotic people running things here.
mike gatti
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 11:28 a.m.
Maybe AAPS kept their heads and everyone else overreacted. Haven't been out yet. I guess we will see.
jns131
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 11:27 a.m.
Been like that for years. Go figure.
skfina2
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 11:12 a.m.
And someone thinks it's a good idea to have Ann Arbor teens driving to school on these roads?
sellers
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:41 p.m.
Sometimes I would trust teen drivers over adult drivers.
towncryer
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 12:13 p.m.
@ mike, which high school do your kids attend?
mike gatti
Fri, Feb 8, 2013 : 11:30 a.m.
There are other means of transportation. Heck some teens don't even have their own car to drive and yet get to school every day rain or shine. Go figure. Yes, it happens everywhere, even here in Ann Arbor.