Detroit rolled in today under cloudy skies and mild, springlike air, with temperatures in the low to mid 50s at metro observation sites. That early taste of April will be short-lived, as a strong storm system moves in late Tuesday into early Wednesday, bringing rounds of rain, a growing chance of thunderstorms, and pockets of heavy downpours. The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for parts of the Tri-Cities and the northern Thumb for late Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, with light freezing rain and up to a tenth of an inch of ice on the table.
Tonight Into Wednesday - Thunderstorms And Heavy Rain
A low chance of light rain this morning gives way to a much wetter setup late Tuesday night, especially across southern counties. Forecasts call for roughly 0.75 to 2.00 inches of rain through Wednesday evening, with the highest totals expected south of I-96 and a risk of brief street flooding. Forecasters at NWS Detroit say multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms could roll through, dropping heavy downpours and kicking up gusty winds.
Icing Risk In The Tri-Cities And Thumb
The Winter Weather Advisory runs from 8 p.m. today to 10 a.m. tomorrow for the Tri-Cities and northern Thumb. Forecasts favor freezing rain with up to 0.10 inch of ice in a few spots, enough to make bridges and untreated roads slick. If your Wednesday morning drive runs through Saginaw County or the broader Tri-Cities, plan on slower travel and the chance of delays.
Commutes, Rivers And Boaters
Rivers and low-lying drainage spots could rise where heavier rain bands park over the same neighborhoods, and localized ponding is likely on city streets if rainfall pushes toward the high end of the forecast range. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect for portions of Lake Huron into Wednesday afternoon, so recreational boaters should steer clear of exposed waters and make sure gear is secured. If you have to be out driving in the heavier rain, give yourself extra room, avoid standing water and slow down to cut the risk of hydroplaning.
What To Do
Bring in or secure any outdoor furniture and loose items ahead of the gusty winds, and build in some extra commute time Tuesday night and Wednesday morning. Drivers in the Tri-Cities and Thumb should keep an eye out for slick bridges and untreated surfaces, and mariners should check local marine advisories closely before heading out. Keep your phone alerts turned on so you get the latest watches and warnings as the system moves through.
Look Ahead
Temperatures dip behind the front tomorrow night with a brief changeover to snow possible inland. A fast-moving clipper on Friday could drop accumulating snow, with gusts potentially topping 40 mph. After that, forecast models point to another strong storm system that may affect the region early next week, bringing a colder pattern back into play. This forecast will be updated if watches or warnings are adjusted.
