NEWS

Freezing rain slows commute, forces school closures

Holly Fournier
The Detroit News

Freezing rain overnight paired with rising temperatures Tuesday morning has created slick, icy roads covered with water, according to the National Weather Service.

"There have been numerous spotter reports early this morning that untreated roads and sidewalks are extremely icy," officials said in a special weather statement. "The ice is coated with a layer of water, making it difficult to determine whether the roads are icy or just wet."

Freezing rain overnight paired with rising temperatures Tuesday morning created slick, icy roads covered with water, according to the National Weather Service in White Lake Township.

Officials indicated it could be "several hours" before overnight ice melts as temperatures slowly rise Tuesday. Dozens of area schools closed Tuesday or announced delayed openings in response to the slippery conditions.

"We do still have rain moving morning through this morning and then that'll slowly diminish throughout the day," meteorologist Sara Schultz said. "Temperatures are going to be on the rise: In the Detroit area, we're looking to get into the upper 40s."

Normal highs for this time of year max out at 32 degrees, Schultz added.

There is a slight chance of snow showers overnight Tuesday.

"We still have a real slight chance of snow (Tuesday night) but then we do dry out for Wednesday and Thursday," Schultz said. "The rest of the week we look to stay in the 40s; anywhere from the lower to mid 40s."

Extended forecast

Tuesday: Rain and possibly a thunderstorm before noon, then a chance of rain. Widespread, dense fog before 2 p.m. High near 44. Chance of precipitation is 90 percent.

Tuesday night: Chance of rain before 3 a.m. Cloudy, with a low around 32. Chance of precipitation is 40 percent.

Wednesday: Mostly cloudy, with a high around 40.

Wednesday night: Mostly cloudy, with a low around 29.

Thursday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 45.

Thursday night: Partly cloudy, with a low around 31.

Friday: Chance of rain after 1 p.m. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 44. Chance of precipitation is 30 percent.

Friday night: Chance of rain after 1 a.m. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 34.

Source: National Weather Service

hfournier@detroitnews.com

(313) 223-4616

@HollyPFournier