DETROIT (WXYZ) — Metro Detroit road crews are kicking into high gear and ramping up efforts in response to the impending ice storm expected to start at about midnight Tuesday and last through much of Wednesday morning.
With snow-filled roads, drivers can get traction. However, with ice, that's not possible, so tomorrow it's a top concern for the tri-county.
"It’s gonna be messy with this kind of freezing rain," said Craig Bryson of the Oakland County Road Commission. "Even out salting all night, it’s going to be a messy morning commute."
In response, Oakland County says it has sent all of its crews home to rest up, then return at 11:30 p.m. with all 100+ of its salt trucks on deck and expected to be in full use. Macomb County will have more than 80 salt trucks on the road, and has prepared by trimming down some old trees and branches that are susceptible to falling due to heavy ice weighing them down. Meanwhile, Wayne County will have crews out by midnight, with 100+ ready to go.
As for what it could all mean for school closures? Oakland County says it never makes the call. It's always left to the school districts to make the decision based on the conditions and updates of the road commission. Stay with 7 Action News for the latest on school closings in your area.
In the meantime, the message that road crews want to send to drivers is: slow down, take your time. It's better to arrive late than not at all. Don’t crowd the plow – give them some space to work when you see them on the road. Also, watch out for downed trees and downed lines. DTE says to report it to them immediately.
