DETROIT (WWJ) -- There's some messy, wet and icy weather on the way with a storm headed to Metro Detroit on Wednesday, AccuWeather says.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch in effect from noon on Wednesday until noon on Thursday for Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Livingston and Washtenaw counties.
Forecasters say a low pressure system is expected to bring a messy, wintry mix to much of Southeast Michigan, with temperatures in the low-to-mid 30s.
WWJ AccuWeather Meteorologist Brian Thompson noted that typically these watches are issued for snowstorm, "But this one looks like mostly an ice storm, potentially," he said.
Thompson said sleet, freezing rain and a little snow could begin as soon as Wednesday morning, then becoming steadier and heavier through the afternoon and evening hours Wednesday.
"So expect some very slippery conditions," Thompson said. "...It could be a rough travel day."
The NWS said "significant icing" is possible, which could lead to localized tree damage and power outages. Hazardous conditions on roads and freeways are likely.
As for which areas could see the worst of it, the latest forecast broadly outlines the area from about the I-94 corridor northward as having potential for primarily freezing rain and sleet. The area along and north of M-59 to I-69 has increased potential for localized damaging ice accumulation, NWS said.
Thompson said areas further south of Detroit, near the Ohio border, could see a switch over from a mix to just rain at some point.
Most of Metro Detroit area can expect a coating up to 0.1 inch of ice accumulation, according to AccuWeather.
Behind this storm system, Thompson said strong winds will develop on Thursday, with some leftover rain and highs in the mid-40s.
Friday we could see some sunshine although it will turn sharply colder, with a high of only around 25 degrees, and a low of 15.
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