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Winter Storm Watch Issued For Metro Detroit; Up To A Foot Expected

DETROIT (CBS Detroit) There's an old saying that "we plan and God laughs." You may want to take that into account with whatever you're planning this weekend, because Mother Nature may have other ideas in mind.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter storm watch for the areas of Detroit and Pontiac from late Saturday through late Sunday.

"Metro Detroit is in the crosshairs for some significant snow accumulations," said meteorologist Rich Pollman with the National Weather Service.

The weather service warns the situation is expected to turn hazardous, with accumulating snow beginning late Saturday and gathering intensity throughout the day Sunday.

Snow accumulations of 6 to 12 inches are forecast by Sunday night, with the highest amounts along and south of Howell to the Sandusky line.

Temperatures are expected to hold in the 20s.

Between 1 and 3 inches of snow is expected to accumulate by Sunday morning; heavier snowfall will begin mid-morning Sunday and continue throughout the day, forecasters said.

Up to an inch of snow an hour is expected on Sunday.

Visibility could dip to a quarter mile in some spots, with blowing and drifting snow expected to become a factor.

"A winter storm watch means there is potential for significant snow, sleet or ice accumulations that that may impact travel," the service said.

The Road Commission of Oakland County was out all day Friday with plans to get back to work at 7 a.m. Saturday. They're coating the roads with liquid brine, which spokesman Craig Bryson said is better than salt when it's this cold.

"Our hands are a little bit tied when the temperatures get to this level," Bryson said.

Watch real-time weather radar HERE on CBSDetroit.com.

Check school closings anytime HERE.

Red Cross Urges Residents to Prepare for Winter Storm 

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