A 4Warn Weather Alert has been declared for Southeast Michigan as another round of snow moves into the region Friday, followed by colder air that could impact plans through the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday weekend and the first half of the week.
Snow is expected to develop Friday morning, with light accumulation possible near the end of the morning commute and steadier snow during the afternoon. Most of Metro Detroit is expected to receive 1 to 3 inches, with isolated totals near 4 inches possible in the Thumb.
While snowfall amounts are not high, the alert was issued because of compounding impacts from existing snow, commute timing and the chance of slush freezing up.
Why is there an alert for light snow accumulation?
Parts of Metro Detroit picked up 3 to 6 inches of snow Wednesday, leaving many side streets and residential roads still snow-covered. With snow already on the ground, even light additional accumulation can quickly lead to slick conditions.
Timing is also a concern, as snow may affect both the morning and afternoon commutes Friday. Light snow could begin during the morning drive, with broader coverage developing during the afternoon.
Temperatures Friday will vary across Southeast Michigan. In the morning, temperatures will be in the teens with single-digit wind chills. Highs in Metro Detroit are expected to reach the lower 30s. The Thumb will remain colder, with highs in the upper 20s. The new snow may be wet and slushy at times during the afternoon, particularly closer to Detroit. Most of the snow is expected to taper off by 5 p.m., but a few snow showers will linger into the evening.
As temperatures drop Friday night, unremoved slush could refreeze into icy patches, especially on side streets, bridges and sidewalks.
This Weekend
Travel concerns may extend into the weekend, which includes the first public day of the Detroit Auto Show on Saturday, Jan. 17, as well as the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday on Monday.
Saturday
Saturday will be colder, with highs around the upper 20s in Metro Detroit and lower to mid-20s in the Thumb. Scattered snow showers are possible, mainly near the northern suburbs. West-southwest winds will push wind chills into the teens, especially in exposed areas.
Sunday
Sunday stays cold, with highs near the lower 20s. A few snow showers are possible. Wind chills Sunday morning may dip into the single digits in some communities.
MLK Day
The coldest air arrives late Sunday into Monday.
On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, highs are expected to reach only the teens in Metro Detroit, with single-digit highs possible in parts of the Thumb. Morning wind chills could drop below zero, particularly away from the immediate metro.
Another chance for light snow exists late Sunday night into Monday, followed by continued Arctic air into early next week.
Drivers heading out for weekend events or holiday travel are urged to allow extra time, use caution on snow-covered roads and stay alert for changing conditions. The greatest impacts are expected on side streets and untreated roads, where snow and ice may linger.
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