METRO DETROIT (WWJ) - Isolated severe storms are possible for all of Southeast Michigan on Tuesday with forecasters warning residents of damaging winds, sizeable hail, downpours and more.
As a cold front passed through Southeast Michigan, several areas were under Severe Thunderstorm Warnings, all of which have expired, as of 8 p.m.
To the east of us, in the Thumb, a Tornado Warning was in effect until 3:30 p.m. for the area including Millington, North Branch and Mayville.
Parts of Washtenaw County, including Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and other areas to the north were under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 5 p.m. The NWS said that area would likely see winds up to 60 mph.
Parts of Macomb and St. Clair Counties were under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 6 p.m., while parts of Lenawee and Monroe Counties are under a warning until 6:30 p.m.
While there were numerous crashes across Metro Detroit freeways during the storms, there have been no reports of severe flooding and DTE Energy was only reporting about 15,000 customers without power, as of 8 p.m.
According to the NWS's severe weather outlook, the Metro Detroit area was under a Marginal Risk for storms, indicating severe storms of either "limited organization and longevity, or very low coverage and marginal intensity."
WWJ AccuWeather meteorologist Joe Lundberg said earlier in the day highs would reach upwards 87 degrees with increasing humidity -- all which are good fuel for storms.
If they strike, he said, the biggest threats will be strong winds at upwards 60 mph and large hail. Storm motion is predicted to move from west to east at around 35 mph.
Tuesday's Marginal Risk bumps up to a Slight Risk on Wednesday into Wednesday night as the passing front begins to stall. Severe weather will once again aim for areas in Metro Detroit, but mainly south of Pontiac, the NWS predicts.
The heavy rainfall rates are expected to cause issues such as ponding of water on roadways and localized flooding of urban and typical flood prone areas.
Highs are only expected to reach 74 degrees.
The potential for more hazardous weather does persist into the afternoon and evening hours on Wednesday and forecaster urge residents in Southeast Michigan to stay informed with the latest forecast.
Lundberg added the the risk for storms will prevail every day -- and even into the weekend.
"Becoming warmer Thursday with clouds and some sun, it will be humid, too, with a shower and thunderstorm in some areas," Lundberg said. "High 83 for Friday, intervals of clouds and sunshine quite warm and humid with a thunderstorm likely in the afternoon. High 87 Saturday, a mix of clouds and sun warmer, but still that chance of a thunderstorm. High 85."
State officials with MIREADY advise the following actions to better prepare yourself and your family in the event of severe storms:
• Remove dead or rotting trees and branches that could fall on your home with strong winds.
• Postpone outdoor activities until the storm has passed.
• Secure outdoor objects that could be blown around, such as garbage cans and patio furniture.
• Close all windows and blinds.
• Charge cell phones and other wireless communication devices.
• Sign up to receive text or e-mail alerts from your local media, weather provider or the National Weather Service.
• Plan a way to monitor local weather and news while in shelter.
• Identify the safest shelter location in your home; it should be on the lowest level, away from windows and doors.
• Prepare for a power outage.
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