(CBS DETROIT) - Warming centers are opening as temperatures drop and Metro Detroiters endure snow showers.

Periods of heavy snow - called snow squalls - are expected to lead to dangerous, icy roads Wednesday night in Southeast Michigan.

DETROIT – There’s a three-hour window when you’re most likely to see heavy snow Wednesday in Metro Detroit. Light snow flurries began Wednesday morning in Southeast Michigan and the Thumb, but the heaviest bands of snow are expected much later in the day.

Light snow will fall early this morning along and north of I-69, with just a passing flurry elsewhere. The best chance for snow arrives this evening and tonight. Brief but intense snow showers could create whiteout conditions,

With the forecast calling for weather that will lead to messy roads overnight Wednesday into Thursday in Metro Detroit, some students may be hoping this means they'll get a snow day.

Stay informed with the latest updates on the snow and cold snap affecting Metro Detroit. Know what to expect and how to prepare with Local 4's latest weather update.

Snow showers should increase late Wednesday through early Thursday morning. Most areas could get 1"-2". Very strong winds will make wind chills near zero by Thursday morning.