Enhanced Risk of Tornadoes, Hail, and Damaging Winds
Southeastern Michigan is expected to experience severe thunderstorms, strong tornadoes and significant hail on Wednesday. The National Weather Service (NWS) has placed most of the region under an Enhanced Risk for severe thunderstorms, indicating that scattered to numerous severe storms may occur throughout the day, with the main window falling this afternoon and possibly lingering into the evening.
The Storm Prediction Center has warned of the possibility of tornadoes and 1-inch hail in the region. The potential for significant severe weather development exists across all of southeast Michigan. Strong wind, hail, and rotating storms capable of stronger tornadoes remain possible.
Highs will be in the low 70s with greater humidity leading to unstable conditions. The warm and humid air mass preceding the cold front is expected to fuel thunderstorm development.
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is asking residents in low-lying areas to remain vigilant and remove valuable items from their basements as flooding is also expected. Metro Detroit has had much-above-normal precipitation since January, which may contribute to flooding.
Timing and Uncertainty of Severe Threat
The timing of the first round of weather will affect how the secondary round develops as a shortwave approaching midday may bring another round of storms with strong winds and hail. Instability may struggle to develop early, but there could still be enough ingredients for tornadoes to form.
The evening cold front may provide the best opportunity for tornadoes, but it’s dependent on what happens throughout the day. The chances for severe weather will linger until 7:00 or 8:00 p.m. Wednesday before it tapers off.
There is uncertainty over how widespread the severe threat will be. The weather service has cautioned that the threat of tornadoes is not new to southeast Michigan as the area has experienced tornadoes in the past.
Preparations and Live Updates
Local utilities, such as DTE Energy, are preparing for power outages due to extreme weather conditions. Residents are encouraged to take necessary precautions and remain alert to changing weather conditions.
FOX 2 is tracking the storms and providing live updates through the FOX 2 Weather app and live streaming. Stay tuned for any further developments or changes in forecast.
Cooler Weather Ahead
Thursday will be cooler and breezy with seasonal highs in the low-to-mid 50s. However, Easter Sunday is looking spectacular with sunshine and highs in the 60s, providing a much-needed break from the severe weather outbreak.
In conclusion, southeast Michigan is bracing for a severe weather outbreak, with an enhanced risk of tornadoes, hail, and damaging winds. Residents are encouraged to stay alert and take necessary precautions. Whereas the timing of the severe threat remains uncertain, we urge our readers to stay tuned for updates through trusted sources such as FOX 2 Weather app and live streaming.
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