LANSING, Michigan — Freezing drizzle followed by light snow gripped the Interstate 96 corridor from Ionia through Lansing toward Brighton early Friday, where a light ice glaze and up to one inch of snow created hazardous driving conditions expected to persist until 1 p.m. Friday across central and south-central Michigan.
The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids kept a Winter Weather Advisory in effect through early afternoon for Clare, Isabella, Gratiot, Ionia, Clinton, Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun, and Jackson counties. Forecasters said freezing drizzle during the pre-dawn hours would transition to light snow by mid-morning, prolonging slick conditions during the peak commute.
Ice formed quickly on bridges and elevated roadways, especially along United States Route 127, where reduced traction slowed traffic through Lansing, St. Johns, and Mount Pleasant. Along Interstate 94, slick lanes affected travel through Battle Creek, Jackson, and Kalamazoo, where untreated ramps and overpasses turned hazardous before sunrise.
Additional trouble spots emerged along Michigan Route 43 and Michigan Route 50, with icy stretches reported near Hastings, Delton, and Charlotte. Farther west, Michigan Route 40 and Michigan Route 37 turned slick through Alma, Ionia, and Clare, as light snow accumulated on top of the ice glaze, sharply increasing stopping distances.
Transportation crews treated major corridors, but officials warned that even minimal ice accumulation significantly raises crash risk. The combination of drizzle and snow allowed slick spots to redevelop quickly, especially on secondary roads and shaded areas.
The advisory remains in effect until 1 p.m. Friday. Conditions gradually improve late morning into early afternoon as precipitation tapers, though isolated slick patches may linger into midday before roads dry.
