Metro Detroit Winter Storm: Snowfall Totals, Timeline

METRO DETROIT — The National Weather Service placed all of metro Detroit under a winter storm warning beginning Thursday afternoon through Friday morning with rain, sleet and heavy snow expected to hit the area just a day after the region saw temperatures reach the 50s.

Thursday morning started with rain in the metro region as temperatures remained warm in the 40s. But the rain will transition into snow late Thursday morning as temperatures plummet. The snow will continue throughout the day, in which 4-8 inches is expected to fall by Friday morning, the National Weather Service warned.

The snowflakes will begin falling between 11:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m. and subsiding by Thursday night around midnight, forecasters said.

While 4-8 inches of snow is expected in the metro region, drivers should only have to manage between 2-4 inches of snow during Thursday's evening commute. However, peak snowfall time will be between 5:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. Thursday, forecasters said.

Temperatures will continue falling through Thursday night, which increases the chances of ice for Friday morning's commute, in addition to the snow, forecasters said. The snow and ice could create slippery driving conditions for motorists Friday morning.