Winter storm brings dangerous road conditions
Posted: 02.29.2012 at 10:29 PM

The storm forced UP drivers to have extreme caution while driving today.

MARQUETTE COUNTY -- Today's winter storm brought more than a foot of snow to some areas in the UP.

With the snow, came poor driving conditions.

"The storm moved in here late morning. Right now it's snow covered and slippery. We haven't gotten to plowing most of the roads," said Marquette County Road Commission Director of Operations and Maintenance, Michael Harrington.

The Marquette County Road Commission will start clearing busier roads first, then move on to smaller back roads.

Despite the mild winter, UP residents should be used to the less-than-perfect road conditions.

"It's a normal winter. We've just been spoiled this winter. I guess this is a little wake-up call. We do live in the UP, and this is expected and not that out of the ordinary," Harrington added.

Most drivers on the road today had their headlights on, and were taking it extra slow.

"The road conditions are kind of sloppy. Visibility at the time is not the best. The main thing is just to drive with what the road will give you. Make sure you have a good stopping distance and look at your fellow drivers," Ishpeming resident Dale Thomas said.

For some, their tires make them feel like they can handle the roads.

"Snow tires make me feel safer when I take off from intersections, and also stopping at intersections, and stop lights and stuff. As long as you control your acceleration a little bit, I don't really have a problem sliding or skidding around," Ishpeming resident Jesse Harvala said.

The Marquette County Road Commission says that by tomorrow, all the roads should be cleared.