'Travel could become impossible' in Lansing area after ice storm blankets region
The National Weather Service is warning "travel could become impossible" due to Wednesday's ice storm.
A colossal storm front spanning coast to coast pelted Greater Lansing starting midday, with hazardous ice warnings from Wednesday afternoon until early Thursday morning for Ingham, Barry, Calhoun, Eaton, Allegan and Jackson counties.
School districts canceled classes Wednesday and a majority had canceled Thursday sessions by Wednesday evening.
Telling people that travel could be impossible is a rare cautionary signal from the National Weather Service, said Brandon Hoving, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, which covers the Lansing area.
"Its a phrase we use sparingly," he said. "People know how to drive in the snow and sleet, but ice storms are rare and the sleet and ice accumulation could lock things up real quick."
Hoving said it has likely been several years since the Lansing area was under a hazardous ice warning. The area was struck by an ice storm at the end of 2013, leaving 38,000 out of power, many for more than a week.
Hoving warned that ice will be the problem. The forecast called for up to a half inch of ice accumulation and an inch of snow.
"This is definitely looking like the most significant icing event Lansing has had in many years," Hoving said.
Gusty winds, as high as 45 miles an hour, will likely make the storm worse and could contribute to power outages.
Consumers Energy and Lansing Board of Water and Light are both bracing for the storm.
Report any outages, and track estimated return times, for Consumers Energy here https://www.consumersenergy.com/outagemap and Lansing's Board of Water & Light here https://www.lbwl.com/outagecenter.
Thursday is expected to bring ups and downs; it will be below freezing early in the morning and likely into the morning commute but will warm up above freezing during the day Thursday before freezing again, Hoving said.
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Around the Country
A massive winter storm is barreling across the country with dangerous conditions landing further east, and an ice storm slicing across several midwestern states and snow and sleet reaching the Northeast. Residents in western states and the Plains have faced severe winter weather for several days already this week.
Tuesday, in anticipation of the storm, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz issued an emergency order to activate the National Guard and urged residents to get ready for what could be a record snowstorm.
Tips Before You Go
Check the weather before setting out, and be prepared to change plans if necessary.
Drive at a safe speed. Keep in mind visibility and stopping ability may be diminished.
Increasing following distances (normally three to four seconds) to eight to ten seconds.
Allow sufficient room for maintenance vehicles and plows, staying at least 200 feet back.
Watch for icy surfaces on bridges and intersections, even if the rest of the road seems to be in good condition.
Avoid braking on ice. If you’re approaching a patch of ice, brake during your approach.
If You Get Stuck
If there is a problem on the road, the AAA auto club urges drivers to:
Stay in the vehicle. Your car can provide shelter, allowing emergency responders to best locate you.
Don’t leave the car running. If there is an extended traffic jam, turn off the engine for a while, then back on.
Keep the exhaust pipe snow-free. If blocked, deadly carbon monoxide could back up into the car.
Avoid driving on shoulders or medians of highways. They need to be kept clear for first responders.
Cold weather can affect batteries. In electric vehicles, it can shorten the distance it can go.
USA Today and Detroit Free Press journalist Brian Manzullo contributed to this story.
Contact Mike Ellis at mellis@lsj.com or on Twitter @MikeEllis_AIM
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Lansing expected to get hit with major ice storm Wednesday, Thursday