Watch CBS News

Winter Weather Advisory: Up To 6 Inches Of Snow To Fall On Metro Detroit

DETROIT (WWJ) - Snow, sleet and freezing rain are expected across metro Detroit as part of a strong winter storm bearing down on the Midwest.

The National Weather Service has issued a winter weather advisory for southern Michigan, in effect from 3 p.m. Tuesday until noon Wednesday.  Snow could fall as fast as one inch-an-hour, and blowing a drifting snow could cause problems on the roadways.

CBS 62 Chief Meteorologist Jim Madaus said wet and heavy snow is expected to start falling later in the afternoon, continuing overnight.

Madaus said the metro Detroit area is expected to see between three and six inches of snow in total.

"It will be windy with rain changing to snow, and steady snows at times later Tuesday night. We'll also see some scattered flurries Wednesday morning in the area as the system moves off to the north and east," he said.

Snow emergencies have been declared in Mount Clemens, beginning at 4 p.m. and Southgate, beginning at 6 p.m. A snow emergency means residents need to move their cars off city streets. If the cars are not moved, the car could be towed and/or the owner could be ticketed.

Small hail, mixed with light rain, was falling in Southfield before 1 p.m.

West Michigan could get similar snowfall, and parts of the state's rural Thumb area could get over eight inches. Northern Michigan is expected to be on the fringe of the storm.

TRAFFIC MAPLIVE RADARFLIGHT TRACKER

Officials are urging motorists to use caution because of the weather. Snow accumulations and poor visibilities will lead to hazardous travel conditions beginning during the Tuesday evening rush hour.

The heavy wet snow will put stress on trees and power lines, potentially causing some power outages.

Here's the local forecast from the CBS Detroit Weather Team:

Tuesday -- Overcast with snow in the afternoon, then snow and a chance of rain after midnight.  Breezy. Winds from the ENE at 20 to 25 mph. Chance of snow 90% with accumulations up to 3 in. possible. High of 36F, low of 32F with a windchill as low as 16F.

Wednesday -- Overcast with snow and rain, then a chance of snow and rain showers in the afternoon. Winds from the ENE at 5 to 15 mph. Chance of snow 80% with accumulations up to 1 in. possible. High of 37F, low of 30F with a windchill as low as 19F.

Thursday -- Overcast and breezy. Winds from the North at 15 to 20 mph. High f 36F, low of 27F with a windchill as low as 18F.

Know before you go: Keep it tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for traffic and weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s.

Sign up for severe weather text alerts: Text STORM to 95001
For daily weather forecast text alerts: Text FORECAST to 95001

MORE: Delta Airlines Issues Winter Weather Waivers For Midwest Travelers

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.