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Wintry mess brings ice to metro Detroit

Posted at 2:50 PM, Dec 31, 2020
and last updated 2020-12-31 15:46:05-05

(WXYZ) — Here we go again with another wintry mess taking aim at metro Detroit bringing a threat of freezing rain, snow and sleet. Unlike the storm earlier this week, this one will have more to work with moisture-wise and it's a bigger storm too.

RELATED: Metro Detroit Weather Forecast: Winter Weather Advisory takes effect Friday

Wintry Mess Breakdown:
Snow was the primary precipitation type with our last mix but this time trends suggest ice and sleet are the dominant precipitation type. Initially, the storm will start as snow but will eventually transition to a freezing rain and sleet combo. With these types of storms, temperatures are always the focus so if we are above 32 degrees then there is nothing to worry about. On the other hand, If we are at or below 32 degrees, then we can have some major problems, even some power outages.

With the latest track, it appears this storm will stay well south of metro Detroit leaving us stuck on the cold side of the storm. Another scenario places 40 percent of the area in a “mostly rain” scenario while leaving other areas covered in ice.

Timing and Potential Impacts:
This storm is expected to arrive during the late morning and early afternoon hours (between 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.). Once it starts we’ll initially see snow before it turns into a wintry mixed bag. Mapping out the impact shows mostly snow for the I-69 corridor but if you live along and south of M-59, the threat of ice is higher.

Detroit weather 7-day forecast
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