DETROIT (WWJ) -- Don't go out "unless you really, really have to."
That's the advice from Michigan State Police in Metro Detroit as heavy snowfall made roads and freeways slick and treacherous across the region on Wednesday.
"Just a reminder again: Slow down if you have to go out," said MSP First Lt. Mike Shaw. "From weather reports we've been hearing it's going to get worse as the night goes on."
This winter storm has potential to make it into Detroit's top 10 recorded snowfalls, with as much as 16 to 18 inches expected. The 10th highest snowfall was on Feb. 9, 1911 at 12.3 inches, and coming ahead at number nine was on Jan. 31-Feb. 1, 1881 at 12.5 inches, according to the National Weather Service.
AccuWeather forecasters say drivers should expect to see quick accumulation of snow on roadways, producing potentially dangerous conditions.
AccuWeather Meteorologist Dean DeVore said the snow will be heavy at times Wednesday afternoon into the evening.
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Not only will Metro Detroit receive the heaviest snow later in the day, they will also be seeing peak accumulation, with rates of up to an inch per hour at times, he said.
Snowfall is then expected to drop off overnight with light snow or flurries continuing through Thursday; with up to an inch of additional accumulation possible.
A Winter Storm Warning remains in effect until at 7 a.m. on Thursday in Macomb and Oakland Counties, while Washtenaw, Lenawee, Monroe and Wayne Counties remain under the warning through 10 p.m. on Thursday.
When it's all said and done, DeVore is predicting a foot to as much as 16-18 inches of snowfall for Metro Detroit, with 6 to 12 inches north of I-69.
"It will be quite a storm," he added.
DeVore noted that since the snow will be accompanied by bitterly cold temperatures, people can anticipate for this snow to stick around through Saturday while the temps stay just below 20 degrees.
Metro Detroiters can hope to see their way out of the intense cold when temperatures finally approach 30 degrees on Sunday.
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Weather officials are advising drivers to prepare for variable road conditions on their commutes.
Beginning mid-morning, multiple crashes were reported on local roads and freeways, with crash counts increasing into the afternoon.
Along with concerns about snow and ice, forecasters said gusty north winds Wednesday evening could lead to some blowing and drifting snow, causing poor visibility.
Lt. Shaw said the worst road conditions were noted in Oakland County, in areas along I-75 north of Rochester Road.
"We're probably averaging somewhere between seven to eight active crashes," Shaw said, in a late afternoon update. "None of them are serious. All of them are either from going too fast or just following too close to the car in front of them... which causes people to hit their brakes and go into a skid and put into the ditch."
"So far we've not had any injuries or any serious crashes today; just probably a little soreness to people's ego and pride when we're towing those SUVs and pickup trucks out of the ditch."
Shaw said key to staying safe is to go slow, keep your distance, and stay off the phone.
If you must travel, police urge drivers to keep an extra flashlight, blankets, food and water in your vehicle in case of an emergency.
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