Grand Rapids, Michigan – A thin layer of ice is glazing roads across parts of central Michigan early Wednesday, creating slick travel conditions through 9 a.m. and threatening scattered power outages.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, a Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect for Clare and Osceola counties until 9 a.m. EST. Freezing rain is expected to leave a light glaze up to one tenth of an inch on roads, sidewalks and elevated surfaces.
Communities including Clare and Reed City are seeing icy patches develop on untreated roads, bridges and overpasses. Even a light coating can make U.S. 10 and surrounding county roads slippery during the morning commute. Elevated surfaces tend to freeze first, increasing the risk for sudden loss of traction.
The added ice load on tree limbs and power lines could also lead to isolated outages if accumulations approach one tenth of an inch. Drivers should slow down immediately, allow extra stopping distance and avoid sudden braking. Pedestrians should use caution on sidewalks and driveways.
Conditions are expected to improve after 9 a.m. as temperatures gradually rise. Additional advisories could be issued if freezing rain lingers longer than expected.
