The National Weather Service this afternoon issued a winter storm watch for all of southeast Michigan, with predictions of as much as half a foot of snow by Friday morning. 

According to the alert, a low pressure system is expected to move into the area Thursday evening, bringing with it a mix of rain and snow that will change over to all snow Thursday night. 

Expect snow-covered, slippery roads and a messy commute Friday morning. Stay tuned to Birmingham Patch for updates, and learn how the weather affects your travel by clicking "Traffic & Gas" in the blue menu bar on this page.