Listening in on all the MSP activity over the past month has definitely had an affect on my driving behavior. It's even made me more wary of the other guy/gal. These front line reports coming from my scanners are really good reminders.
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Icy grip snarls traffic, shuts schools
Santiago Esparza The Detroit News
January 15, 2009 12:00 PM
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The coldest temperatures in five years contributed to a brutal early-morning commute and forced the closure of dozens of schools today.
The freezing temperatures and blustery conditions also prompted school districts to cancel classes today, many in Monroe County.
Temperatures were in the single digits at about 11:30 a.m., according to meteorologists with the National Weather Service in White Lake Township. That makes salt on roads less than effective, said Bob Hoepfner, a highway engineer with the Road Commission of Macomb County.
"It acts as an abrasive but does not melt (ice)," he said. "People must drive according to the weather conditions. Obviously this morning they did not."
Hoepfner said there is nothing crews can do to make roads less slick when it is this cold and said drivers need to slow down and stay alert. He said he is amazed as he watches drivers blow past him in the morning as he drives to work.
"People think they are indestructible and invincible," he said. "They have to be careful."
Icy conditions Thursday morning forced the complete closure of Interstate 75 at Davison. The freeway later reopened when road crews were able to treat the roadway's surface.
The frigid overnight temperatures claimed at least one life.
A Livingston County man was discovered frozen to death at about 6:30 a.m. today outside his home. He appeared to be accidentally locked out of his Hamburg Township home and wasn't wearing a coat, hat or gloves, according to police.
The recent cold snap is the worst in about five years, weather service meteorologists said. Temperatures this week were expected to average 20 to 25 degrees below normal temperatures for this time in January. An arctic cold front is to blame for the weather woes, the meteorologists said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommend that people who do not have to be outside stay indoors. Those who do venture outside should bundle up and have no exposed skin.
Animals should not be left outside, according to the Michigan Humane Society. AAA Auto Club of Michigan suggests that motorists keep gas tanks at least half full, test car batteries and completely remove snow from an auto before driving it.
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