Following an evening of wet snow, many Michigan residents woke up to a slippery morning commute. Low temperatures combined with wet roads can lead to instances of dangerous black ice.
What is black ice?
Black ice is a thin transparent layer of ice that blends into the road. It’s caused when the temperature rises above freezing which allows snow to slowly melt causing road surfaces to become wet. When the temperature drops back below freezing, those wet roads can turn into black ice.
Black ice can also form when moisture in the air forms dew or fog followed by the temperature dropping below freezing.
Snow and cold temperatures have led to hazardous driving conditions, including black ice.
This type of ice is different from a white or grey layer of ice which can form when roadways have been plowed or driven on, packing the snow so that it freezes into a layer of ice.
How to spot black ice
Black ice is commonly found on bridges, overpasses and shaded spots on the road. While black ice is difficult to spot because it forms without bubbles and blends into the color of the road, the ice has a shiny or glossy appearance when reflecting light.
Drivers are more likely to run into black ice in the evening or early morning when temperatures are cooler, but black ice can also be present during the day.
Trips for safe driving
Black ice can cause vehicle tires to lose traction, making it difficult to brake or steer. Drivers often lose control in these conditions. Tips for driving in icy conditions include:
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Drive slowly if you expect to run into frost or freeze.
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Leave space between your car and the vehicle in front of you.
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If you’re caught on black ice, keep your steering wheel straight. If you turn the wheel, you have a higher chance of sliding and losing control of your vehicle.
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Do not brake — braking causes the vehicle to slide, especially if you brake too hard.
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Take your foot off the accelerator to reduce speed. It’s best to let the car stop on its own if you have enough room in front of you.
Weather outlook
Monday and Tuesday will have intermittent snow showers with highs in the 20s and lows in the mid-teens. A winter weather advisory is in affect in West Michigan from 7 p.m. Monday until 1 a.m. Wednesday. Total snow accumulations is expected between 2 and 4 inches with isolated higher amounts possible.
— Cassidey Kavathas is the politics and court reporter at The Holland Sentinel. Contact her at ckavathas@hollandsentinel.com. Follow her on Twitter @cassideykava.
This article originally appeared on The Holland Sentinel: tips for winter driving, black ice