Michigan Braces For Severe Storms and Possible Tornadoes

Michigan Braces For Severe Storms and Possible Tornadoes

Cities from Saginaw Bay area, to Ann Arbor, Detroit, Flint, Bay City, and Midland are likely to face severe thunderstorms and possibly tornadoes today, according to the Storm Prediction Centre (SPC). A large part of eastern Lower Michigan is on alert due to the impending severe weather forecast, which appears potent enough to generate isolated tornadoes.

The Storm Setup

A cold front scheduled to move through Lower Michigan is forecasted to intensify in the heat of the afternoon and evening in southeast and eastern Lower Michigan. The surge in oppressive humidity, likely to make a return, is expected to fuel scattered severe storms. Given the timing of the cold front, the aforementioned cities find themselves at an elevated risk of storm conditions.

As per the combined weather forecast – accounting for the risk of high wind gusts, large hail, and tornadoes – the Detroit area, the Thumb, the Ann Arbor area, and the Saginaw Bay area are at the highest risk (depicted in yellow). The dark green areas are at relatively lesser risk.

Tornado Threat

The SPC suggests a south-southwest wind surge during the storm could produce adequate wind shear, giving birth to rotation in thunderstorms and possibly an isolated tornado or two. This translates to a two percent to four percent chance of a tornado within 25 miles of any given point in the stated regions.

Severe Wind Gust Risk

In line with the SPC’s report, the severe wind gust risk ranges from 15 percent to 29 percent. It’s worth noting that gusts from severe thunderstorms tend to last for a short duration but can quickly escalate to dangerous levels. It is thus advisable to be on watch and monitor local weather news proactively.

Radar Forecast

The radar forecast from 9 a.m. Friday to 9 p.m. Friday suggests the possibility of a second line of robust thunderstorms in the Thumb and southeast Lower Michigan. The strength of these thunderstorms seems to amplify across east and southeast regions during the late afternoon and evening.

Those planning to be outdoors or travelling across the affected areas on Friday need to be prepared for temporary relocations as severe weather moves through.

Stay updated and safe!