DETROIT – As an arctic blast hits metro Detroit, there’s a chance of snow squalls Wednesday evening.

Winter-like conditions are not uncommon in southeastern Michigan, although it has been a while since the region has addressed the possibility of whiteout conditions.

Read: Snow squalls could create dangerous driving conditions in southeast Michigan tonight. What to expect

“It doesn’t help that we don’t have our winters like we used to. So when it happens, everyone’s like, ‘Oh no,'” said Celia Salazar, a driver.

Drivers like Gayle Watson said they had some essentials like ice scrapers and extra clothing in their suitcases.

However, the bad weather doesn’t worry her.

“I don’t plan on being out when that happens,” Watson said.

Michigan State Police reported that more than 200 accidents occurred during the Thanksgiving holiday, suggesting Michigan residents may be a little rusty.

“It might sound weird, but the lack of snow… so drivers here in Michigan usually have 8 to 10 inches, and they automatically slow down. “They increase their driving distance and are very careful,” said First Lt. Michael A. Shaw, a public information officer. “If you get one or two (inches), they lose their minds.”

If you’re driving with heavy snow, gusty winds and poor visibility, Esther Ross of Motor City Driving Academy got behind the wheel to show Local 4 what to do under the READ rule.

Right speed for now. Eyes up, brain on. Expect the next step. Donut full of space.

“Donut of Space” means protecting every side of the car, she said.

The message before this round of bad weather is: Don’t panic, just plan.

“You want to be careful not to make quick inputs, and that’s what we often do: our first reaction when we start to slide is to freak out a little bit – hit the brakes,” said First Lieutenant. Shaw said.

He said when you step on the brakes, the wheels lock, causing you to lose friction and causing the vehicle to slide further than if you hadn’t stepped on the brakes.

Some drivers say the weather plays a role, but they also worry about other road users.

“I know how to handle these conditions,” Salazar said. “The problem is that most people don’t do that and insist on driving 10-15 (mph) faster.”

When it snows, people tend to drive erratically, Deandre Benson said.

“Don’t drive like an idiot. Be vigilant, you have to drive for others too,” he said.