Funviralpark Christmas weekend is fast approaching, but unfortunately we’ve had three successive seasons of snow, rain and high winds that could limit our travel plans.
If you plan to travel through Michigan and haven’t hit the road yet as of Thursday, you’re at risk of encountering a major winter storm, with the National Weather Service already issuing blizzard warnings for parts of the state. It looks like this.
Like many people, Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) staff are closely monitoring the weather and are gearing up to make it as safe as possible for Michigans to participate in the holiday season, according to a spokesperson for the MDOT region. Parson, Aaron Jenkins said.
“If a snow event like the one coming here is predicted, our reps will watch the news and keep up with the weather forecast,” Jenkins said. We are ready to go into emergency response,” he said.
Related: Is your winter emergency kit ready? 15 things you should always have in your car
Showers are expected in parts of Lower Michigan on Thursday, and snow and cooler temperatures on Thursday or Friday morning could cause flash freezes that could make driving dangerous on roads. there is.
The worst days to travel are Friday and Saturday, when high winds and blizzard conditions persist.
Related: Daily Storm Guide: Possible Blizzards, 50 mph Gusts, Subzero Chills
MDOT is working with local agencies to keep the roads clear during winter storms like the one expected this weekend, Jenkins said. He said drivers will start operating around his clock to ease dangerous road conditions.
“We let drivers farm, salt out when the weather is nice, keep the roads clear, and make sure everyone gets to their destination,” he said.
To combat smooth road surfaces during flash freeze, MDOT drivers pre-wet road salt with a calcium chloride product to make it more effective at low temperatures.
In some cases, Jenkins said, when it’s very cold during a storm, crews will focus on clearing snow and start applying pre-wet salt when temperatures start to rise again.
Michigan roads see more movement during the holiday season because so many people travel to see their loved ones at this time of year. Jenkins said it’s important to recognize that while MDOT workers are out clearing snow, they are giving other drivers enough space to do their jobs.
They also warn you to stay safe and stay off the road if you don’t need to travel.
“If the road is passable, go ahead and give yourself the extra time you need to get where you need to go,” Jenkins said. I will
Visit MDOT’s Mi Drive tool to track the location of snowplows and maintenance vehicles, or to find out road conditions in your area this snow season.
Read more from MLive:
Snowstorm warnings have officially been issued for 13 counties in Michigan.More counties to be added
Up to 2 feet of snow cover in first detailed forecast for pre-Christmas blizzard
New satellites help monitor water and currents in the Great Lakes
