(WWJ) - Almost two dozen counties in Southeast Michigan are in the path for potentially severe weather Wednesday, bringing with it the threat of wind, hail and rain, meteorologists warned.
The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch for most of Metro Detroit and beyond, affecting residents in Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Huron, Ingham, Jackson, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw and Wayne Counties.
The watch is in effect now through 1 p.m., the NSW said in a statement.
Meteorologists say over 6 million people may be affected by thunderstorms ahead of a cold front that has already blown through the Tri City area with wind gusts estimated up to 60 mph.
The storms are expected to track southeast and impact most of the Metro Detroit area from mid-morning into the early afternoon hours.
According to the NWS, the storms are "capable of producing damaging wind gusts to 60 mph, large hail, heavy rainfall, and a very low risk of a tornado."
Meteorologists said hail associated with the line of storms may cause damage to vehicles while high winds can uproot trees and damage roofs and siding on homes and buildings.
Excessive cloud-to-ground lightening is also expected.
The line of storms is currently moving southeast at around 50 to 60 mph.
Meteorologists said now is the time for Michiganders to prepare for the threat of severe storms.
"Always have a severe weather safety plan in place no matter what category is in your area," the NSW said. "Have multiple ways to receive warnings."
DTE said severe weather that passed through the area overnight has knocked power out to over 2,000 people, mainly in Brighton and Romeo, with other outages reported in Taylor and Howell.
A message on the DTE's website informed customers that the severe weather threat today may cause more outages.
"Our Storm Response Teams are ready to restore power as quickly and safely as possible," the company said. "Please be safe and remember to stay at least 20 feet from any downed power lines — assume they are live and dangerous. Report any outage or downed line."
