4Warn Weather – A low-pressure system tracks across Lower Michigan Thursday bringing a mix of rain and accumulating snow.
The greatest snowfall amounts will likely be along and north of I-69, but we will all see some type of impact from this system.
Snowfall timeline
The onset will begin before sunrise on Thursday with most pushing out midday, but snow lingers a bit longer to our north into the Thumb. So with that said, most of this will fall within a 6-hour window.
The front edge of this system will pack a punch with snowfall rates more than 1.5 inches per hour which will allow for a quick coating of snow for the morning rush hour before any melting or changeover to rain occurs.
Snowfall projections
As of right now, it looks like we will pick up less than an inch south of I-94. 1-3″ between I-94 and I-696. Total snowfall of 3-5″ will be possible north of I-69.
Precipitation type
South of I-94 has a better chance of this being a mainly rain event. A rain/snow mix is more likely across most of the Metro and more snow along and north of I-69. It is important to note that we are two days out, so any shift where the rain/snow line sets up will greatly dictate precipitation type and accumulation totals.
However, some data points to this line sinking as far south as Monroe and Lenawee counties which will allow for more snow accumulation north of I-94. We will continue to fine tune the forecast over the next 24-36 hours.
Winds
Northwest winds of 25 to 35 mph will be possible Thursday afternoon and Thursday evening.