DETROIT — Metro Detroit will get 1 to 3 inches of snow Wednesday, and the timing of when that snowfall will be most intense has come into clearer focus.

Time of heaviest snowfall

After a relatively dry start to the morning, lake effect snow potential will increase Wednesday and peak overnight across southeast Michigan.

This winter storm will be similar to last week’s, with the highest amounts of snow west of Lansing.

But bands of snow will reach Metro Detroit late Wednesday afternoon and evening. Snow cover and intensity is expected to peak in the evening.

The heaviest snow cover will be toward the M-59/I-96/I-696 corridor.

Snow squalls are possible with rapid accumulation and poor visibility. Motorists should exercise caution on the road and be prepared for sudden whiteout conditions.

How much snow?

The frequency of this snowstorm varies greatly. Expect around 1 to 3 inches in most areas, with some higher totals possible.

Wind gusts will increase to the 30 to 40 mph range Wednesday night into early Thursday morning, causing blowing and blowing snow.

Icy temperatures

Arctic air enhanced by gale-force winds will result in subzero wind chills around sunrise Thursday morning.

Light snow showers or thunderstorms will continue throughout the day.

Highs Thursday afternoon will only be in the 20s, but wind chills will only climb to single digits in the afternoon. If you work outside or your children are at the bus stop, the temperatures will be dangerously cold if you don’t take the appropriate precautions.

At the beginning of the weekend we start warming up, it could rain on Saturday.