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!
Author: STAFF HERE NORTHVILLE WRITER
The NORTHVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERENorthville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Northville, Wayne County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Summer Concert Series, Tunes on Tuesday, and the Northville Farmers Market. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Northville Chamber of Commerce and Northville Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in automotive, software, and retail that power the local economy such as Gentherm, Reliable Software, and Attendance on Demand. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREDetroitMI.com, HEREGrandRapids.com, HERENovi.com, and HEREPlymouth.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Michigan's dynamic landscape.
