With temperatures in Michigan hovering around the freezing mark, you may get snow, rain or even sleet, weather officials say, which can make driving or even walking outside more challenging.
Sleet occurs when precipitation encounters warm air and melts, then hits cold air and refreezes while falling. The icy precipitation can create to treacherous conditions as drivers encounter slippery areas that could cause them to lose control of your vehicle, according to the National Weather Service.
“Whether it’s snow, sleet or ice, winter weather can cause extremely dangerous road conditions. In 2023 there were 320 fatal traffic crashes, and an estimated 22,293 injury crashes that occurred when there was snow/sleet conditions at the time of the crash. Preparing yourself — and your vehicle — for winter weather is key,” the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration website says.
Federal and state officials advise driving slower and more cautiously to reduce your risk of a crash amid hazardous winter road conditions, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation and Michigan Department of Transportation.
Drivers can also take key steps to prepare vehicles for seasonal weather and emergencies.
Here’s what to know about sleet.
What is sleet?
Sleet is a type of precipitation that occurs when falling snow melts in warm air and then refreezes in cold air, forming ice pellets, according to National Geographic.
What’s the difference between sleet and freezing rain?
While similar, the quality of freezing air sets the two forms of precipitation apart, the NWS explains.
Freezing rain happens when raindrops melt in warm air, then refreeze when they hit the ground due to thin freezing air, the weather agency said.
However, with sleet, freezing air layers are thicker, so the precipitation refreezes in the air before hitting the ground.
Is sleet slippery?
Yes, sleet can lead to dangerous conditions by creating slippery spots on roads where drivers could lose control of their vehicles, particularly on bridges, the NWS warns.
When the roads are coated in sleet, you should monitor road conditions before heading out, drive slower than the speed limit, leave more space between your car and the vehicle ahead of you and plan extra time to get to your destination, the Michigan Department of Transportation advises.
The Detroit Free Press contributed.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: What is sleet? How the wintry mix makes driving extra treacherous
Reporting by Jenna Prestininzi, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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