Lansing police Sgt. Bob Cantlon’s advice for would-be travelers today: "Stay home and warm up some hot chocolate. Stay off the roads if you can."
No one was seriously injured. In fact, the five and nine-car fender benders involved no injuries at all.
But with the slippery state of roads and highways, the high winds and gusting snow, "496 has been a mess," Cantlon said.
Sgt. Jeff Weiss of the Ingham County Sheriff’s Office said at noon today that officers had responded to 15 reports of cars in ditches or accidents involving property damage since 6 a.m.
"The increasing winds, snow and poor road conditions have resulted in deteriorating driving conditions," he said.
Like Cantlon, he said, "We’re urging motorists, if you don’t have to go out, don’t go out. So stay home if possible."
The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a winter weather advisory for the Lansing area that will remain in effect until 10 a.m. Monday.
The forecast predicts only 1 to 2 inches of snowfall, but that snow will be accompanied by winds gusting up to 40 miles per hour, creating occasional white-out conditions, and by wind chills as low as 15 degrees below zero.
Lansing State Journal: http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/article/20081221/NEWS01/812210600
