A Severe Thunderstorm Watch blanketed Southeast Michigan on Sunday evening, but the last severe storms exited Southeast Michigan around 8:30 p.m.
A severe thunderstorm watch is issued when atmospheric conditions are ideal for thunderstorms capable of winds of 58 mph or greater and quarter-sized hail or greater. This means to watch out for changing weather conditions and the potential for a warning.
A severe thunderstorm warning is issued when a storm can produce dangerously high winds or large hail. Tornadoes can also develop even when there is a severe thunderstorm warning. You should always shelter during a severe storm.
Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for every county in Southeast Michigan on Sunday evening, and a tornado warning was issued for northwestern Livingston County.
A tornado warning means that a tornado has been spotted or indicated by radar, or there is strong indication that a funnel will touch down. This means that there is imminent danger to the warned area. Get indoors and shelter immediately!
A 4Warn Weather Alert had been declared for Sunday’s storm potential two days in advance to allow ample warning.
The Storm Prediction Center upgraded Southeast Michigan to an enhanced (level 3 of 5) risk on Sunday morning, which means that there was a “high confidence” of scattered to numerous severe storms with “damaging winds, severe hail, and/or tornado tornadoes.”
Where should you take cover?
Home
Go to the basement or lowest level of your home. If there is not a basement, get into an interior room or closet. Avoid being near windows.
Mobile Home
If you have enough time before a severe thunderstorm or possible tornado arrives, go to a nearby sturdy building and wait out the storm.
Driving
It is not safe to try to ride out or outrun a tornado in your vehicle. Get inside the nearest building.
Outside
Find the nearest building to go inside. If you cannot get to the building in time, try to find a ditch, lie flat, and cover your head.
The risk of severe thunderstorms should exit by 10 p.m.
Showers and thunderstorms will still be possible after that time, but the threat for severe weather will have ended.
Behind the cold front, temperatures will fall into the 50s overnight. The temperatures will continue falling on Monday. After morning rain showers, it will be mostly cloudy.
Tuesday will be cool, with highs in the mid 40s; but expect sunshine.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed Southeast Michigan under another risk of severe weather for Wednesday.
Have multiple ways to get alerts, including a NOAA Weather Radio and the 4Warn Weather app.
