Metro Detroit Roads Treacherous After Snowstorm

Road officials explain challenges of clearing roads in extreme cold temperatures

Jan. 29, 2026 at 8:31am

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After a weekend snowstorm and cold snap swept through metro Detroit, officials from Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb counties explained the difficulties in clearing roads when temperatures dip below 20 degrees. Salt becomes ineffective in extreme cold, and counties prioritize plowing major roads before subdivisions. Michigan State Police warned that even slow driving can be ticketed if conditions warrant, and urged drivers to stay 200 feet behind snowplows per state law.

Why it matters

The heavy snowfall and frigid temperatures created hazardous road conditions across metro Detroit, leading to numerous crashes and forcing school and business closures. This highlights the challenges road crews face in keeping roads safe when extreme winter weather hits the region.

The details

County officials said the snow and ice were difficult to clear due to temperatures dropping below 15 degrees, at which point salt becomes largely ineffective. Crews first prioritized plowing freeways, major roads, and county primaries before moving to subdivisions. Mechanical issues with plows also caused delays. Some municipalities were forced to ration their salt supplies. Michigan State Police reported 148 crashes in the tri-county area, though no fatalities, and warned that even slow driving can result in tickets if conditions warrant.

  • The snowstorm and cold snap hit metro Detroit over the weekend of January 25-26, 2026.
  • Road crews began work at 12 a.m. on Sunday, January 26th as the snow was expected to start falling between 12-4 a.m.

The players

Joseph Tomocik

Assistant director of the Wayne County Department of Public Services.

Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw

A spokesperson who warned that weather conditions do not cause crashes, but driving in them does.

Road Commission for Oakland County

The agency responsible for clearing over 1,300 miles of subdivision streets, 1,400 miles of major county roads, and 230 miles of multi-lane state highways in Oakland County.

Macomb County Department of Roads

The agency responsible for clearing about 1,700 miles of roadways in Macomb County.

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What they’re saying

“The roads were bad, and it took many hours/days to clear due to the below-zero temperatures. We take people's concerns seriously. Our crews were working around the clock, plowing and treating as conditions changed. Not all snow events are the same, and Mother Nature doesn't follow a schedule. Timing is everything, and conditions can change quickly depending on intensity, wind, and temperature.”

— Joseph Tomocik, Assistant director of Wayne County Department of Public Services (freep.com)

“Weather conditions don't cause crashes, but driving in them does. Even if a car is traveling below the speed limit, the driver can get a ticket for driving too fast for road conditions.”

— Michigan State Police Lt. Mike Shaw (freep.com)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This snowstorm highlights the challenges road crews face in keeping roads safe when extreme winter weather hits metro Detroit, with salt becoming ineffective in sub-freezing temperatures. It also serves as a reminder for drivers to slow down and exercise caution when driving in hazardous conditions, even if below the speed limit, to avoid crashes.