DETROIT – Metro Detroit is going to get 1-3 inches of snow on Wednesday, and the timing of when that snowfall will be most intense has come into clearer focus.
Timing of most intense snowfall
After a relatively dry start to the morning, lake-effect snow potential will increase Wednesday and peak at night across Southeast Michigan.
This winter storm will be similar to the one from last week, with the highest snow totals west of Lansing.
But snow bands will reach Metro Detroit late Wednesday afternoon and evening. The evening is when snow are expected to peak in coverage and intensity.
The greatest snow coverage will be toward the M-59/I-96/I-696 corridor.
Snow squalls are possible with rapid accumulation and bad visibility. Drivers should be careful on the road and be ready for sudden whiteout conditions.
How much snow?
The accumulation for this snowstorm is highly variable. Most areas should expect about 1-3 inches, with some higher totals possible.
Wind gusts will rise into the 30-40 mph range Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, creating blowing and drifting snow.
Frigid temperatures
Arctic air reinforced by blustery winds will lead to wind chills below zero around sunrise Thursday morning.
Light snow showers or flurries continue through the day.
Thursday afternoon highs are only in the 20s, but wind chills will only rise to single digits in the afternoon. If you work outside or your kids stand at the bus stop, these are dangerously cold temperatures if you don’t take the proper precautions.
We will start to warm up heading into the weekend, with a chance for rain on Saturday.