MID-MICHIGAN (WJRT) – Winter weather will hit Mid-Michigan with full force on Wednesday, with a mix of snow, wind and cold.

The National Weather Service issued a winter weather advisory for Bay, Genesee, Saginaw, Lapeer, Gratiot, Gladwin, Huron, Oscoda and Tuscola counties from 7 p.m. Wednesday through 4 a.m. Thursday.

A winter storm warning is in effect for counties in the major lake effect snow belts in the western and northern parts of the state. Significantly heavier snowfall is expected there.

The Storm Tracker 12 weather team has declared an alert day for Wednesday afternoon into Thursday morning as the weather system brings light snow and the coldest air of the season so far.

An Alberta Clipper weather system is expected to drop about 1 to 2 inches of snow across much of Mid-Michigan. Even if the amount of snow is not impressive, it will be blown by the wind and potentially reduce visibility for drivers.

Light snow began to fall in the Great Lakes Bay Region on Wednesday morning. Further snowfall is expected across the region from Wednesday afternoon.

As snowfall increases, strong winds will develop from the Southwest with gusts of 30 to 40 mph Wednesday evening and into Thursday morning as a strong cold front sweeps across Mid-Michigan.

Wind chill values ​​may drop to single digits Thursday morning with cold temperatures and strong winds. After the cold front breaks through, a sudden freezing of roads in the region is possible.

High temperatures will reach 30 degrees on Thursday and Friday, but the chilly wind will make it feel colder for everyone outdoors.

Relative warming is expected over the weekend and early next week with temperatures in the 40s.