Storm swiftly snarls Metro Detroit freeways, side streets as accumulations reach 4 to 5 inches — see the latest totals

(WWJ) - It was a messy morning for drivers in Metro Detroit as rapidly accumulating snowfall covered roads and reduced visibility to less than a mile on Tuesday.

The clipper storm -- which is a very fast-moving system that drops down from the northwest across the Great Lakes from Central Canada -- dumped over five inches of snow in Howell, while four inches fell in northern Oakland County, Lapeer and Ann Arbor.

Just over three inches of snow was reported in Shelby Township in Macomb County as well as in Lake Orion.

A band of moderate snow in still affecting Southeast Michigan and will move through the area until 2 p.m., possibly adding another inch or two to what has already made a mess on the ground.

Lingering snow showers are expected to then transition to drizzle over the afternoon hours as the temperature rises from 31-32F to 35F.

"The combination of snow and cold temperatures will result in localized slippery conditions and variable traffic rates throughout the county," the National Weather Service said. "Motorists are urged to use caution and account for the variable driving conditions by allowing extra time."

Snow totals for commuties in Metro Detroit are as follows:

Livingston County:
Howell -- 5.1 inches in six hours

Macomb County:
Shelby Township -- 3.4 inches in five hours

Oakland County:
Davisburg -- 2.7 inches in three hours
Farmington -- 2.2 inches in two hours
Novi -- 5 inches in five hours
Lake Orion -- 3.0 inches in three hours
Leonard -- 4 inches in four hours
White Lake -- 3.7 inches in four hours
Wolverine Lake -- 4.5 inches in four hours

Genesee County
Birch Run -- 4 inches in five hours
Swartz Creel -- 3.6 inches in five hours

Lapeer County
Lapeer -- 4.5 inches in five hours

Washtenaw County
Ann Arbor -- 4.9 inches in four hours