Detroit, MI – Drivers across Detroit and southeast Michigan are being urged to use extreme caution as dangerous wind chills, gusty winds, and snow squalls create hazardous roadway conditions through Tuesday morning.
According to the National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac, sub-zero wind chills will intensify late Monday night into Tuesday, with the coldest conditions between 10 p.m. Monday and 10 a.m. Tuesday. Wind chills are expected to fall as low as 15 degrees below zero, especially near the Ohio state line and across the Thumb region.
A Winter Weather Advisory remains in effect until 10 a.m. Tuesday, as west winds of 15 to 25 mph, gusting up to 40 mph, combine with occasional snow showers and snow squalls. Brief but intense snow squalls could cause rapid drops in visibility, particularly along I-94, I-96, I-75, and M-59.
Snow accumulations are expected to be around 1 to 2 inches, with locally higher amounts possible, but officials stress that blowing snow and flash-freezing pose the biggest threat. Roads can become slick quickly, especially on bridges, overpasses, and exposed stretches of highway.
Temperatures will remain in the teens, with wind chills near zero to 5 below during the day Tuesday, making conditions dangerous for stranded motorists. Frostbite can occur on exposed skin in as little as 30 minutes.
Drivers are urged to:
- Slow down immediately during snow squalls
- Increase following distance
- Carry winter emergency supplies
- Limit unnecessary travel overnight and early Tuesday
Conditions are expected to gradually improve Tuesday afternoon as winds ease, but officials warn that the overnight and morning commute window carries the highest risk across metro Detroit and surrounding counties.
