Winter's Biggest Storm Headed To Metro Detroit

A snow storm that has the potential to become the biggest weather event of the season is heading to metro Detroit Thursday evening and into Friday, according to WWJ-TV Chief Meteorologist Jim Madaus.

The National Weather Service issued a severe weather alert for Thursday night and  Friday morning for the entire region. Madaus said metro Detroit should expect a few inches of snow Thursday night and into Friday morning, with at least 2-3 inches and maybe more.

And that won't be the end.

"About 5 a.m. Friday it will let up, then 7 a.m. it will pick up again with maybe another inch or two," Madaus said.

Madaus said commuters should expect the bad stuff to hit at 7 p.m. Thursday, the tail end of the afternoon commute, and start again in time for the Friday morning commute. Drivers should plan ahead.

The National Weather Service describes it as a strengthening low pressure system that will track across the Great Lakes and bring a widespread area of precipitation.

"This precipitation may begin as a mix of rain and snow...before transitioning," the service said in a press release.

There's the potential for up to 6 inches, the Weather Service said.

"It looks like four or more inches," Madaus said. "Most of it's going to happen overnight, so it will definitely affect the morning drive."

Check CBS Detroit Thursday and Friday for a complete list of school closings.