Winter storm watch issued for southeast Michigan this week as ice, sleet, snow approach

Wednesday is going to be a sloppy, slippery mess in southeast Michigan. Just how slippery is still up in the air, according to the National Weather Service in White Lake, and it may depend on where you live.

Much of southeast Michigan will be under a winter storm watch from noon Wednesday until noon Thursday, with a widespread, heavy mix of freezing rain, sleet and some snow possible. That includes Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

Here's what to know.

What to expect

The National Weather Service said it’s too early to determine the total impact of this winter storm. Still, a mix of rain, sleet and snow is expected, along with accumulating ice. Significant icing could lead to tree damage, power outages and hazardous roads.

When it's happening

A winter storm watch has been issued for much of southeast Michigan from 12 p.m. Wednesday to 12 p.m. Thursday, with the worst of it expected to hit on Wednesday afternoon. There is a possibility of a 10th of an inch of ice or more, the agency said.

Much of the snow accumulation would be north of Detroit.

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What's next

But the ice won't last long. On Thursday, temperatures are expected to climb, with a high of 48 degrees before changing course again.

On Friday, it's expected to turn much colder, with a high of 27 degrees with partly sunny skies, the weather service said. On Saturday and Sunday, highs are expected to return to the mid to upper 30s.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Winter storm watch in Detroit as ice, sleet, snow approach