Detroit Area Weather: Below Zero Wind Chills Moving In

METRO DETROIT, MI — Intense bands of snow were expected to affect travel throughout Metro Detroit through mid-morning Thursday, especially along Interstate 94 and Interstate 96/696 through late morning, the National Weather Service said in a special weather statement. Less than an inch of snow is expected but wind gusts up to 20 mph will move it around, limiting visibility.

“The snow will cause variable traffic rates throughout the area,” the statement read. “Motorists are urged to use caution and account for the variable driving conditions by slowing down and allowing more space between vehicles.”

Affected counties are Oakland, Macomb, Wayne, Livingston and Washtenaw.

The wind also will make it feel much colder than Thursday’s forecast high in the 20s. Thursday and Friday’s overnight lows are expected to be around 10, sending wind chill values as low as zero o below.

Friday’s daytime high will be around 18, again with wind chill values as low as zero. It’ll be a little warmer on Saturday, but there’s a 30 percent chance of precipitation.

If you’re traveling, a winter weather advisory remains in effect in west Michigan until 4 p.m. Friday. Some areas could get up to 6 inches of snow from this system, with the highest totals “along and west of U.S.-131,” the weather service said.

Photo by kenji ross via Flickr Commons