Winter Storm Could Dump Up to 6 Inches of Snow on Birmingham

That groundhog is seeming less and less like a good weatherman by the day.

More snow is in the forecast for Birmingham and all of Metro Detroit Tuesday, according to the National Weather Service (NWS). In fact, a winter storm watch has been issued for the Birmingham area starting Tuesday afternoon.

According to the NWS, a low pressure system will bring a "plume of deep moisture" across southern Michigan on Tuesday. The cold air means this area of moisture should be able to sustain a band of heavy, wet snow — up to six inches of snow, in fact.

"There remains some uncertainty as to the overall track of this storm system and the locations which will receive the more prolonged period of heavy snow," the forecast says, noting that areas south of I-96 could receive a mix of rain and snow as warmer air moves into the area.

During a winter weather watch, rapid snow accumulation and poor visibility may lead to hazardous driving conditions, as well as stress on the trees and power lines, causing some power outages.

According to the NWS's five-day forecast, here's what the weather will look like for Birmingham during the next few days and nights:

• Tuesday: High near 33 degrees. A slight chance of snow before noon, then snow possibly mixed with rain. New snow accumulation of 1-3 inches is possible. The chance of precipitation: 90 percent.
• Tuesday night: Low near 31 degrees. Wind gusts up to 26 miles per hour and new snow accumulation of 3-5 inches possible. The chance of precipitation: 90 percent.
• Wednesday: High of 34 degrees. New snow accumulation of 1-2 inches possible. The chance of precipitation: 90 percent.
• Wednesday night: Snow showers are likely, mainly before 8 p.m. The low will be around 30 degrees under cloudy skies. New snow accumulation of less than one inch possible.
• Thursday: High of 35 degrees with a 50 percent chance of snow showers. Low of 25 degrees.
• Friday: High of 31 degrees under mostly cloudy skies. Low of 19 degrees. 

Need to know: Birmingham in a snow emergency

So what happens if Birmingham really does receive six inches of snow?

Birmingham is able to call a snow emergency once the snow starts to accumulate on city streets, which means one thing: get your car off the street.

Parking is prohibited on city streets whenever snow accumulation exceeds four inches or the city declares a snow emergency. Vehicles parked illegally will be ticketed and may be towed, though there are exceptions for residents who don't have a driveway. To qualify for this exception, make sure you register with the Department of Public Services and have your identifying sticker showing in your rear driver's side window.

And if you end up working from home or taking the day off work, get those shovels ready. A city ordinance requires that homeowners clear snow and ice from any public sidewalk adjacent to their property within 12 hours, or by 6 p.m. the following day if the snow fell overnight.

What if you fail to clear your sidewalk? You'll be slapped with a $100 fine.

To learn more about what to do during a Birmingham snow emergency, visit Need to Know: City Snow Removal for Winter Storms.