Southwest Michigan residents dig out from lake effect snow, but remain concerned over icy roads

 

ST. JOSEPH, Mi. -- Southwest Michigan residents worked to dig themselves out after getting nearly six inches of snow earlier this morning-- many of the locals trying to get it done while it's still fluffy and light. 

“It’s been light snow, which has been nice, as far as it not being super heavy, wet snow," said Henry Freese, who's lived in New Buffalo for about two months, and he didn't expect to see quite so much snow outside his apartment. 

“I am a bit surprised, since we’re within eyesight of the lake and we’ve got this much snow, because sometimes it goes further inland and then dumps it all," he said.

Luckily, it was easy work for Freese, who was able to clear the snow from outside his doorway in about 30 minutes. 

Further north, St. Joe resident Joe Beer agreed that it has been pretty manageable. 

“Easy winter, so far," he said. “It’s gonna be sunny tomorrow, so I don’t expect too much more, that’s why I’m out here shoveling now, ‘cause I don’t want to shovel more.”

Though that light snow on the roads has turned to slush, and combined with the cold temperatures, that will make the roads icy. 

“It’s not supposed to get above freezing tomorrow, so there’s a very good chance of it turning to ice at some point,” Beer said. 

Meaning for Berrien County drivers, these already slick roads could become even more difficult to travel on this weekend. 

“If this slush will freeze, that could become a problem for people driving around,” said Freese. 

“A light snow is not a problem, but if it gets icy, it becomes a real issue,” Beer said. 

Fortunately, the snow has stopped for now, and is not expected to pick back up until later in the weekend, but drivers should still use caution because of the possibly icy conditions.