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Heavier-Than-Expected Snow Paralyzes Metro Detroit Commute as Plows Struggle in Traffic

Road crews say steadier, underestimated snowfall during rush hour left plows trapped in slow-moving traffic.

Overview

  • Heavy, steady snowfall just before the evening rush brought major roads to a halt across metro Detroit, with many commutes more than doubling.
  • The Road Commission for Oakland County said forecasts called for 1 to 2 inches, but parts of the county saw more than 6 inches and roads were not pre-treated.
  • About 60 to 70 county trucks were deployed, yet slow traffic sharply limited plowing and salting as crews inched along with other vehicles.
  • Police reported semitrucks stuck on Telegraph Road near Long Lake creating miles of northbound delays, and reporters observed standstill traffic, spinouts, and drivers unable to see lane markings.
  • Crews continued clearing priority routes Thursday with some residential streets still difficult to navigate, and officials urged drivers to give plows space as additional snowfall is expected.