Breaking: 9&10 News Becomes Northern Michigan’s Lifeline As Winter Storm Tests Policy, Safety, And Rights
Northern Michigan is in the teeth of a multi day winter storm, and the phones have not stopped ringing. Snow began early December 9, with up to 2 inches in some towns. Another 4 inches stacked up overnight in lake effect bands. Gusts have hit 30 miles per hour, and more slick snow is possible through today, December 10. I am tracking conditions across the 9&10 News footprint, from Cadillac and Traverse City to Sault Ste. Marie. Viewers are turning to live updates for road conditions, school decisions, and urgent safety guidance that has real legal weight.
What Is Happening Right Now
Bands of heavy, fine snow are drifting across highways and local streets. Visibility drops in seconds. Temperatures are sticking cold, which keeps ice locked to untreated pavement. Plow crews are out. MDOT is cycling interstate routes and bridges. County road commissions are clearing secondaries in waves as winds allow.
9&10 News is pushing live crawls, alerts, and school closing updates on air and online. Our weather desk is tracking lake effect shifts by the hour. Our newsroom is coordinating with county emergency managers, the Michigan State Police, and MDOT to relay closures and detours in real time.
How 9&10 News Is Serving The Public
WWTV and WWUP, the 9&10 News signals, hold a core public duty during hazards. We carry Emergency Alert System messages and weather warnings. We are airing verified advisories from state and local officials. We are also sharing practical steps, like when to avoid a highway, where warming centers open, and how to report outages.
This is more than service. It is part of broadcast law. Stations must serve the public interest. In winter storms, that means timely alerts, accurate maps, clear language, and no guesswork.
Travel advisories are not travel bans unless a state or local emergency order says so. Closed roads are off limits. Police can cite and tow at a barricade.
The Legal And Policy Picture
State and local leaders can declare emergencies under Michigan’s Emergency Management Act. That allows curfews, parking rules, and resource shifts. Cities can call snow emergencies that trigger no street parking so plows can clear curb to curb. Sheriffs and MSP can close hazardous segments and limit access to crash scenes.
MDOT controls state trunklines and can restrict bridge traffic in high winds. The Move Over law applies to plows and emergency vehicles with flashing lights. Slow down and move a lane if possible. Passing a working plow is dangerous and can lead to a citation if you ignore traffic control.
Schools decide closures at the district level. Superintendents weigh road conditions and staffing. Make up days follow state attendance rules, which are clear and often strict. Parents should follow official district channels, not rumors.
Workplaces must keep employees reasonably safe. If your employer orders you to travel on a road that is officially closed, that is not lawful. Follow the closure. If roads are open but dangerous, talk to your supervisor about remote options or delayed starts. Keep records of conditions and communications.
Utilities must prioritize life safety and critical customers. If you rely on electric powered medical gear, alert your utility and local emergency manager now. You have the right to be notified about planned restoration windows, even when exact times shift.
Document your conditions. Take a photo of your street, note the time, and save messages with your school or employer. It helps if disputes arise later.
What Residents Should Know Now
- If a barricade or sign says Road Closed, turn around. That order is enforceable.
- Respect snow emergency parking rules. Towing is allowed to clear routes.
- Use official alerts from 9&10 News, MSP, MDOT, and your county. Do not rely on neighborhood chats.
- Report price spikes that feel abusive. Keep receipts and contact the Attorney General’s office.
Safety Basics
Keep a full tank, a charger, blankets, and a bright flashlight in your car. Clear snow from your lights and plate. If you slide off and are safe, stay with your vehicle and call for help. Flares or hazard triangles help plows see you in time.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can police ticket me for driving during a travel advisory?
A: Advisories alone are not enforceable. If a specific road is officially closed, entering it can bring a citation and towing.
Q: Who decides school closures and makeup days?
A: Each district makes the call. Makeup rules come from state attendance law. Follow district updates for calendars and any waiver requests.
Q: Are tire chains legal in Michigan during storms?
A: Chains and studded devices are limited. Temporary traction devices are allowed when conditions require safe travel. Check your manual and avoid road damage.
Q: Do broadcasters have to carry weather alerts?
A: Yes. Stations like 9&10 participate in the Emergency Alert System and must act in the public interest, which includes timely hazard information.
Q: What if my power is out and I need medical support?
A: Call your utility to flag medical priority and contact your local emergency manager. Ask about warming centers and wellness checks.
Conclusion
This storm is not just a weather story. It is a civic test. 9&10 News is carrying the load that law expects of a public service broadcaster, and the information you need to make legal, safe choices. Keep it slow. Follow official orders. Use our updates to protect your family and your rights. We will stay live until the last flake settles.
