4Warn Weather – A winter weather advisory was in effect for some Metro Detroit counties on Thursday due to snow moving into the region.
Macomb, Oakland, Livingston, St. Clair, Genesee and Lapeer counties were under a winter weather advisory until 1 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 15. A system was moving through Southeast Michigan Thursday morning, bringing snow to more northern areas, and a snow/rain mix to more southern areas.
The counties under the advisory were expected to receive between 1-3 inches of snow, though some more northern areas could see between 3-5 inches. The advisory was partly in place due to potentially dangerous road conditions caused by the wet weather.
“Snow will overspread the area early this morning with heavy snow at times, especially north of the M-59 corridor where snowfall rates may reach 1 to 2 inches per hour at times,” the National Weather Service reports. “Periods of snow and sleet will be more common further south with lighter accumulations and possibly some rain mixed in at times.”
Special notices were also issued for Genesee and Lapeer counties because of snow-covered roads and reduced visibility. Drivers were urged to be cautious Thursday.
Here’s a more specific look at what Metro Detroit areas will receive which type of precipitation, according to 4Warn Meteorologist Ashlee Baracy:
- North of M-59: A quick burst of snow, then a wintry mix of snow and sleet brings accumulations of 2-4 inches. Areas north of I-69 could see 3-5 inches where snow struggles to make a changeover to rain.
- I-94 to M-59: A rain/snow mix is likely. Sleet and snow transitions to plain rain by mid-morning. Accumulations range from less than an inch to 3 inches with lesser amounts closer to I-94, and greater amounts north. If there is a struggle to changeover to rain, we could see a bit higher snow totals where snowfall persists longer.
- South of I-94: A brief early morning wintry mix, but a better chance of mainly rain with little to no accumulation expected.
Officials expect the precipitation to wrap up by around 1 p.m. or 2 p.m. on Thursday.
However, winds are forecast to pick up Thursday afternoon, even after the snow and rain are finished. Wind gusts could reach 30-40 mph, and could cause power outages in the region.