Storm could drop up to 10 inches on northern Mich.; high winds Saturday in Metro Detroit

Metro Detroit could see high winds and parts of northern Michigan may get as much as 10 inches of snow this weekend, according to the National Weather Service.

A wind advisory is in effect from 10 a.m. Saturday until midnight for St. Clair, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Wayne, Lenawee and Monroe counties.

Winds gusts could reach 50 mph as a strong low pressure system moves through the region, the weather service said. The strongest winds are expected between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.

"Gusty winds could damage unsecured objects," the advisory said. "Tree limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result."

A gale warning is also in effect Lakes Huron, St. Clair and Erie on Saturday, which could also start out with rain in many areas before highs reach the low 50s. At night, the mercury could fall into the low 30s.

Meanwhile, the weather service has placed much of northern Michigan under winter storm warnings through Saturday night.

Areas north of Cadillac but south of the Upper Peninsula are expected to get at least 6 inches of snow that will start falling on Saturday and continue until Sunday night, the NWS predicts.

Some communities, including Traverse City, Gaylord, Alpena and Rogers City, could get as much as 10 inches during the storm.

Mason, Lake, Oceana and Osceola counties could see 5-8 inches of snow and ice accumulations of a light glaze along with wind gusts near 40 mph, according to the weather service.

The heavy and wet snow is expected to limit visibility across northern Michigan while making roads slippery and travel hazardous, the NWS warned.

"Power outages may occur due to the snow and wind," officials said Friday.

hmackay@detroitnews.com