Severe Weather Alert: Strong Thunderstorms and Potential Flooding in Southeast Michigan

Photo byRaychel SanneronUnsplash

WHITE LAKE, MI – The National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac has issued an urgent alert for residents of Southeast Michigan as a powerful line of thunderstorms is expected to sweep through the area around and after midnight tonight. The forecast warns of scattered damaging wind gusts and significant rainfall, particularly south of I-69.

Photo byNational Weather Service

Key Points:

• Timing and Impact: The thunderstorms are anticipated to hit Southeast Michigan around midnight, bringing the risk of damaging wind gusts and heavy rainfall. Urban areas are particularly at risk for flooding, with a Flood Watch in effect for the M-59 and I-94 counties.
• Continued Storm Activity: A slow-moving cold front will maintain scattered showers and non-severe thunderstorms throughout Tuesday. Additional showers are possible on Wednesday afternoon as cooler air settles into the region.
• Weather Conditions: After the storm system passes, high pressure will bring cooler and less humid weather later in the week.

Detailed Discussion:

This afternoon, conditions are mostly sunny to partly cloudy with temperatures rebounding into the mid-80s. Muggy but dry weather will persist into the evening before thunderstorms arrive overnight. The storms are being driven by a shortwave trough in the northern Plains, which is expected to develop into a mature mesoscale convective system (MCS) as it reaches the western Great Lakes and northern Ohio Valley.

Storms will likely weaken slightly as they approach Southeast Michigan, but sufficient atmospheric instability is expected to sustain their strength. The primary threat from these storms will be damaging wind gusts, especially south of I-69. Heavy rainfall is also a significant concern, with the potential for localized flooding due to the already humid air mass and recent wet conditions. Rainfall rates could exceed 1 inch per hour, posing a flood risk, particularly in urban areas.

The parent cold front will stall over the southern half of the region on Tuesday, leading to renewed shower and thunderstorm activity. Cooler and drier air will move in by mid-week, bringing a significant drop in temperatures and humidity levels.

Marine Conditions: Boaters should prepare for hazardous conditions overnight as the storm system could bring wind gusts up to 50 knots, large hail, and heavy rainfall. Elevated wave heights and gusty winds may persist even after the precipitation ends. A Small Craft Advisory may be issued on Tuesday morning.

Hydrology Concerns: The anticipated thunderstorms tonight could produce heavy rainfall, exacerbating flood risks in areas that have already experienced significant rain. A Flood Watch has been issued for the M-59 and I-94 counties due to the potential for urban flooding from a quick 1-2 inches of rainfall.

Residents are urged to stay informed of weather updates and take necessary precautions to protect themselves and their property from severe weather and potential flooding.

For more information, stay tuned to local news and weather reports, and visit the National Weather Service website.