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Winter weather advisory active across Metro Detroit: What to know

Accumulating snowfall expected throughout Friday

A driver clears snow from his car as a winter storm arrives Friday, Jan. 12, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash) (Morry Gash, Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

4Warn Weather – A winter weather advisory was in effect Friday for Metro Detroit due to accumulating snowfall expected to drop throughout the day.

Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, St. Clair, Genesee, Sanilac and Lapeer counties were under a winter weather advisory on Friday, March 22. The advisory was set to expire for most counties at midnight -- except for Wayne and Washtenaw, where the advisory expires at 2 p.m. Friday.

Accumulating snow was anticipated across Southeast Michigan throughout the day. Areas in more northern counties were expected to acquire more snow than the more southern areas.

Here’s a breakdown of anticipated snowfall timing for Friday, according to 4Warn Meteorologist Ashlee Baracy:

  • The Thumb to M-59: Snow will peak at two times, from 6 a.m.-10 a.m., and from 4 p.m.-10 p.m. Upward of 4 inches of accumulation is possible.
  • M-59 to I-94: Expect 1-3 inches of accumulation with two peak times, 6 a.m.-10 a.m., and again in the evening.
  • I-94 corridor and south: Snow will peak at two times, from 6 a.m.-10 a.m., and from 8 p.m.-midnight. 1-2 inches of snow are possible near I-94. Expect less than an inch of accumulation for those more south, closer to the state line.

Snowfall was expected to create slippery and possibly hazardous road conditions all day Friday. Several crashes were reported on major freeways during the morning rush hour.

Check our real time traffic map right here.

A lull in snowfall was expected in the afternoon before it picks up again this evening, particularly for those in more northern counties. Drivers were urged to slow down and remain cautious on Friday.

The snow won’t stick around long for Metro Detroit, however. The region should have a drier weekend ahead, with highs around 40 degrees.

Click here to see the full forecast.

What is a winter weather advisory?

A winter weather advisory is issued by the National Weather Service when winter weather is approaching and expected to cause a “significant inconvenience,” but is not severe enough to require a warning to be issued.

During a winter weather advisory, expected precipitation includes any amount of freezing rain, or 2-4 inches of snowfall -- which could be on its own or in combination with sleet and freezing rain.

---> Learn more about winter weather advisories and alerts here


About the Author
Cassidy Johncox headshot

Cassidy Johncox is a senior digital news editor covering stories across the spectrum, with a special focus on politics and community issues.

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