ALPENA — Meteorologists at the National Weather Service are watching a potential snowstorm that could impact most of Michigan.

The snowstorm is expected to begin during the late afternoon or early evening today and the system is expected to move out of the area on Thursday morning.

The storm, as forecasted on Tuesday afternoon, could drop as much as four to eight inches of fresh snow in Alpena.

More southern parts of the state could receive as much as 10 inches of snow which will keep road crews busy.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Alpena was under a Winter Storm Watch that could be upgraded to a Winter Storm Warning as the track of the storm and snow total amounts become more clear from the weather forecasting models.

In Northeast Michigan, the storm could be the largest of the winter so far.

In Alpena, much of the snow that has fallen has been the product of lake-effect flurries that have slowly accumulated over the last several weeks.

The largest amount of snowfall Alpena has received in one 24-hour period this winter so far was four inches on Dec. 20.

Andy Sullivan, a meteorologist for the National Weather Service in Gaylord, said if the storm continues on the track it’s on currently, that amount could be surpassed. He added that a late change in the track of the storm could also reduce the amount of snowfall Alpena receives.

“This is a system snow, which we have had little of so far this winter,” Sullivan said. “The system will draw moisture from Lake Huron and could give you a nice dumping. Right now, Alpena is on the northern edge of the most intense part of the system, so a slight change in the pattern could mean you only get a couple inches or really get dumped on.”

Sullivan said the snow’s consistency will likely be moderate in weight and not difficult to shovel or snowblow like the more heavy snow that is packed with a lot of moisture. He added that there will be some moderate wind gusts that could cause minor drifting.

“There could be a little blowing and drifting, but not a great amount,” he said.

Sullivan said the Weather Service is watching another potential storm that could reach Northeast Michigan on Saturday, but he added there is a chance the system stays south and Alpena is spared from it.

The area has yet to see a storm that was capable of producing eight inches or more, but there is plenty of winter left and it is not uncommon for Northeast Michigan to get pelted with large snow systems well into March or even April. Sullivan said a slight increase in the temperature is an important ingredient for larger snow systems.

“There is always the potential for large snow systems as we enter the last six weeks or so of winter,” he said. “You can’t rule them out and you could go ahead and say there is a good chance we will still get several storms.”

Steve Schulwitz can be reached at 989-358-5689 or sschulwitz@TheAlpenaNews.com. Follow him on X @ss_alpenanews.com.