DETROIT – The first snowfall of the season is approaching Southeast Michigan, but how much snow should we really expect over the next 24 hours?

Parts of the region could see a few snowflakes after sunset Wednesday, but the majority of the snow will arrive early Thursday morning.

It is expected to resume around 3-4 a.m. Thursday and last until morning. And while there’s a good chance it will affect visibility and make roads slippery, it shouldn’t leave much snow on the ground.

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Local 4 Meteorologist Ashlee Baracy said this snowfall is mainly due to a traffic issue.

How much snow will we get?

Areas west of US 23 are at the very top of possible snow totals. It is possible that some areas could see up to an inch of snow.

Jackson and Flint could get around half an inch at most.

But it won’t be accumulating snow east of U.S. 23. There could be some dust that lasts for part of the day Thursday, but you won’t need to get out your shovels.

When you wake up Friday morning, you probably won’t see any more snow.

Why no accumulation?

The 4Warn Weather team does not expect any accumulation as surface and road temperatures are still in the 40s.

The ground is not yet frozen.

This is why this wet snow will melt quickly and become more of a nuisance on the roads than a major weather event.

Chronology

Parts of southeast Michigan could see a few snowflakes Wednesday evening, but it will be very isolated.

More scattered snowfall will become widespread around 3-4 a.m. Thursday and persist until midday.

By lunch time the snow should be over. It will only be scattered pockets circulating, and it will not be intense.

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No heavy snowfall

You’ll have to set your alarm a little early Thursday due to the tricky morning commute, but again, the 4Warn Weather team isn’t expecting a major storm.

This is the first snowfall of the season, so road conditions will be difficult.

Wind chills will be in the 20s. More rain is forecast for Friday and conditions are mostly dry for the weekend with highs remaining in the 40s.