Metro Detroit Weather: Winter Storm Watch, Wind Advisory, Floods

METRO DETROIT — The National Weather Service issued a wind advisory, flood watch and winter storm watch for most of southeastern Michigan, including the metro Detroit region, as temperatures are expected to reach 50 degrees Wednesday.

Along with the warmer temperatures comes strong winds Wednesday, which are expected to be fairly consistent at 25 to 35 mph, with gusts reaching up to 40 to 50 mph, the National Weather Service warned.

The strongest winds are expected Wednesday afternoon, as rain moves in. Light rain showers are expected in metro Detroit through Wednesday afternoon, with heavier rain falling after 8:00 p.m., which is when the flood watch goes into effect, the National Weather Service warned.

In addition to a half an inch to an inch of rain by Thursday morning, the warmer temperatures will continue melting snow, which could begin flooding streets, the National Weather Service warned.

With temperatures expected to drop Thursday, the National Weather Service issued a winter storm watch for the entire region. Thursday will begin with warmer temperatures in the 40s with rain, before transitioning into a wintry mix, bringing rain, snow, freezing rain and sleet throughout Thursday morning, the National Weather Service warned.

Temperatures are expected to fall into the low 30s by Thursday afternoon, in which the wintry mix will turn into all snow throughout metro Detroit. The heaviest amounts of snow is expected Thursday afternoon, which will become lighter by 8:00 p.m. Thursday, before ending with snow flurries by 4:00 a.m. Friday.

All together, the metro Detroit region can expect 3 to 6 inches of snow, the National Weather Service warned. Friday morning's commute could be rough one, with crews try to stay on top of the storm. Temperatures will also plummet to near zero degrees wind chills, which could create ice and slippery driving conditions.