By Mary Drier
Staff Writer
MICHIGAN — After a brief hint at spring the beginning of the week, winter returned Wednesday with a vengeance.
Additional snow fall of 2-9 inches in the state along with high winds and drifting caused whiteouts and slippery roads which resulted in multiple accidents throughout the the state as well as the Thumb area.
Conditions became so bad Michigan State Police advised people to stay off roads unless travel was urgent.
While the numerous accidents and stuck vehicles have been cleared from the roadways, police departments are still writing reports three days after winter’s last rampage.
“The weather on Wednesday turned extreme in county with many whiteouts reported,” said Tuscola Undersheriff Glen Skrent. “At one time, four areas of state highways were blocked by accidents and various fire departments were out assisting with traffic.
“The total number of crashes needing reports is not added up yet, but it is obvious that at one time hundreds of cars were stuck on the roads throughout Tuscola County.”
As law enforcement responded to calls, some became involved in accidents.
“A semi truck jackknifed on M-15 which led to many cars blocking the road. Reports came in of traffic backed up coming into Vassar from the west, and when responding Vassar Police Department became involved in the traffic issue,” said Skrent.
The Vassar Police cruiser is a total loss.
“Deputies responded but were overwhelmed by the number of calls of cars blocking the roads plus themselves being unable to navigate the highways and other agencies came to assist,” said Skrent.
“Akron Police Department’s cruiser was rear ended while at a crash site near Akron.”
While also responding to calls, some Michigan State Police cruisers from the Caro Post became stuck but none were involved in accidents.
There were multiple accident on M-25 between Unionville and Bay Park Road, on M-81 outside of Cass City between Dodge and Koephen roads, and M-46.
“Many thanks to Vassar police and MSP plus Richville and Vassar fire departments and wrecker services for their assistance, and the busy 9-1-1 dispatchers who kept everyone rolling,” said Sheriff Lee Teschendorf.
Mary Drier is a staff writer for the Tuscola County Advertiser. She can be reached at drier@tcadveriser.com.