A powerful cold front is expected to trigger a dangerous “flash freeze” across Branch County and Southern Michigan tonight, rapidly turning wet roads into sheets of ice.
Following unseasonably warm temperatures near 50°F and widespread rainfall, an Arctic air mass will sweep through the region this evening, causing temperatures to plummet by 20 to 30 degrees in just a few hours.
Meteorologists with the National Weather Service warn that the sharp temperature crash, occurring primarily between 8:00 PM and midnight, will likely create widespread “black ice” as heavy rain may have already washed away existing road salt.
Authorities are warning residents that the Friday morning commute could be significantly impacted by hazardous conditions on bridges, overpasses, and untreated secondary roads.
With overnight lows reaching the low 20s and wind gusts up to 40 mph, officials advise motorists to exercise extreme caution and monitor the MDOT Mi Drive Map for real-time updates on highway conditions.
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