4Warn Weather – Cold and snowy conditions are settling into Southeast Michigan, with accumulating snow beginning early Wednesday morning and even colder air arriving late this week.
A 4Warn Weather Alert has been declared for Southeast Michigan through Wednesday morning.
A Winter Weather Advisory is in effect from 3 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday for all of Southeast Michigan.
Snow develops mainly after 3 a.m. and continues through Wednesday morning. Snowfall totals are generally expected to range from 1 to 3 inches, with the highest amounts likely between I-94 and I-69.
While snowfall totals are not significant, timing will be a key concern.
The steadiest snow is expected during the early morning hours, overlapping the Wednesday morning commute.
Cold pavement temperatures will allow snow to stick quickly, creating slippery and snow-covered roads, particularly on untreated surfaces such as side streets, bridges, and highway ramps.
Nighttime temperatures fall into the single digits across the region, with lows ranging from about five to 10 degrees.
Coldest temperatures are expected in the Irish Hills and near Ann Arbor.
Winds of five to 10 mph overnight will push wind chill values below zero.
Snow continues through the morning hours on Wednesday before tapering late morning into early afternoon.
Winds will be out of the south and southwest at five to 15 mph, with gusts reaching 20 to 25 mph.
While blowing snow is not expected to be widespread, brief reductions in visibility are possible during heavier snowfall.
Road conditions are expected to be slick on Wednesday morning, so drivers should plan for slower travel.
Drivers should slow down, allow extra time to reach destinations, and increase following distances.
Pedestrians should wear boots and use caution, as sidewalks and parking lots may become icy.
Late Week
After the snow ends on Wednesday, much colder air moves into the region late this week.
High temperatures drop into the 20s on Thursday before falling into the single digits on Friday.
Overnight temperatures late week are expected to fall below zero, with wind chills well below zero at times.
The cold persists into the weekend, with highs only in the single digits to low teens and continued subzero wind chills during the morning and overnight hours.
This is expected to be the coldest stretch of the season so far.
Here’s what you can do
People are encouraged to take cold-weather precautions, including dressing in layers, limiting time outdoors, checking on vulnerable individuals, and protecting pets from the cold.
Homeowners should also take steps to prevent frozen pipes as temperatures drop sharply late week.
The combination of overnight snow, slick roads, and dangerous cold will make the next several days challenging.
Planning ahead and taking extra precautions will be important as winter conditions tighten their grip on Southeast Michigan.
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