Detroit, Michigan – Residents across Southeast Michigan should use the next two days to prepare as a round of potentially severe thunderstorms is expected to move into the region Wednesday afternoon and continue through Thursday morning, bringing the risk of damaging winds, large hail, heavy rainfall and even isolated tornadoes.
According to the National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac, widespread showers and thunderstorms are forecast to develop Wednesday afternoon and persist into Wednesday night. The agency has placed much of Southeast Michigan under a Level 1 to Level 2 severe weather risk, with the highest confidence for stronger storms centered near the Detroit metropolitan area.
Communities including Detroit, Ann Arbor, Pontiac, Flint, Monroe, Port Huron and surrounding counties could experience periods of intense rainfall capable of reducing visibility and causing localized flooding on roads and low-lying areas. Interstate 75, Interstate 94, Interstate 96 and portions of the M-59 corridor could see hazardous travel conditions during the evening commute and overnight hours.
The primary threats include damaging wind gusts capable of downing tree limbs and causing scattered power outages, hail large enough to damage vehicles and roofing materials, and the possibility of isolated tornado development if storms become more organized.
Residents should charge electronic devices, secure outdoor furniture and ensure multiple methods of receiving weather warnings are enabled before Wednesday evening. Weather radios and wireless emergency alerts may become especially important if warnings are issued overnight.
Forecasters expect additional updates as confidence in storm timing and intensity improves. Watches or warnings could be issued with little notice as the system approaches Wednesday afternoon.
