Detroit Demolition Derby on Metro Roadways

Multiple freeways are closed or backed up due to unexpected ice. Cold temperatures, with some areas experiencing freezing rain and the thaw/freeze cycle are to blame. News agencies are reporting at least one fatality.

WWJ Friday March 04, 2011

Some police departments are having trouble keeping up with the number of accidents. We are hearing dispatchers asking for help, but not having officers available because of the high number of wrecks.
Michigan State Police Department confirmed at least one fatality on I-75 near East Warren due to an accident that involved a pick-up truck smashing into the back of a semi-truck.
“It’s the worst morning I think I’ve seen,” said WWJ’s Traffic Reporter John Bailey. “I don’t recall a day with so many closures.”

M-39 at W. Chicago St. @8:07 am. Courtesy, MDOT

Several traffic tipsters have been calling and describing surface streets as a “sheet of ice.” Callers are also reporting rollovers, spin-outs and even car fires.
“I’m on Southfield Freeway and it (looks like) I pretty much just drove through a junkyard,” said one tipster. 

The Michigan Department of Transportation is advising drivers to proceed with extreme caution. The National Weather Service has issued a hazardous weather outlook until 4pm this afternoon. Some schools are closed or delayed due to the freeway conditions. Much of the ice is expect to melt as temperatures will increase to the mid-40s today and tomorrow.