Heavy Rain Causes Crashes, Gawker Delays On Metro Detroit Freeways
DETROIT (WWJ) - Heavy rain continued overnight and into the morning Thursday, causing several crashes and traffic backups on metro Detroit freeways.
One of the worst tie-ups was on I-94 near Conner Avenue on Detroit's east side, where traffic was backed up in both directions after a spinout crash.
Reporting live from the scene, WWJ's Ron Dewey said it appears a sedan slammed into the median and was then hit by another vehicle on the eastbound side of the road. The crash left only one eastbound lane open as crews cleared debris from the collision. Gawker delays were also reported on the westbound side of the road.
It was not immediately clear if anyone was injured.
Another big delay was reported on eastbound I-696 near Mound Road in Warren, where a semi truck was involved in an accident with a car. Reporting live from the scene, WWJ's Vickie Thomas described it as one of the worst accidents she's ever seen. It appears emergency responders were forced to use the jaws of life to extract a motorist from the car.
The driver, who was alone in the car, was pronounced dead later Thursday morning. (More on this here).
Other problem spots were reported on areas of I-96 and I-275 where standing water was causing some vehicles issues with gaining traction. Traffic Tipsters calling the WWJ Newsroom said several cars were hydroplaning and visibility was at a minimum.
Meantime, the National Weather Service has issued a flood watch for much of central and southeastern lower Michigan, in effect through Friday morning.
A flood warning has also been issued for the Rouge River in Detroit, the Clinton River in Sterling Heights and Clinton Township and the northern branch of the Clinton River near Mt. Clemens. The rivers are expected to reach flood stage later today and into tomorrow morning. Forecasters say in all cases minor flooding is expected.
After receiving a few inches of rain over the past two days, forecasters say metro Detroit will get another two to four inches of rain from through early Friday, in addition to possible thunderstorms.
For the latest from the roads, stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 during Traffic and Weather on the 8s, 24-hours a day. Check for recent traffic incidents now on the CBS Detroit Traffic Page.
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