DETROIT (WWJ) -- Damaging wind gusts, flooding, large hail and even a tornado could be on the way to Metro Detroit, with storms in the forecast Tuesday evening and overnight.
A Flood Watch goes into effect at 8 p.m. on April 14 for the entire WWJ Newsradio 950 listening area.
According to the National Weather Service, excessive rain and runoff could cause flooding near rivers, creeks, streams and other low-lying areas. In the last 10 days, most of Southeastern Michigan has seen 1.5 to 4.5 inches of rainfall, which has left the ground saturated.
AccuWeather says this intense squall line could reach the Detroit area later Tuesday night after producing tornado threats around Chicago and Milwaukee.
Flood Watch in effect tonight through Thursday. Potential for rainfall amounts of 1 to 2 inches as multiple rounds of showers and thunderstorms move through. 3 to 4 inches are possible in some areas depending on thunderstorm coverage and duration. #miwx pic.twitter.com/bHiDUM7fPi
— NWS Detroit (@NWSDetroit) April 14, 2026
The window for severe weather will be mainly between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m.
"What forms there will quickly become severe," WWJ AccuWeather Meteorologist Joe Lundberg said, "and then march across the lake and come right toward the city (Detroit). And we think that will occur toward midnight."
"The severe threat is multifaceted, large hail, destructive winds, and flash flooding," Lundberg warned. "So, it could be a real tough go of it late tonight, and even into the (Wednesday) morning commute," Lundberg said.
Potential exists for thunderstorms to develop tonight. These storms may become severe, mainly between 8 pm and 2 am. #miwx pic.twitter.com/frM7Id58Oh
— NWS Detroit (@NWSDetroit) April 14, 2026
Wind gusts of 60 to 70 mph are forecast in the strongest storms, reaching a maximum of 85 mph — bringing a risk for power outages and tree and property damage.
AccuWeather says hail the size of golf balls is possible in the strongest storms and can cause serious injury to people, pets and livestock outdoors. Severe damage can occur to vehicles, aircraft and roofs.
Meanwhile, it's going to be much warmer than normal. AccuWeather said the high in Detroit on Tuesday could creep close to the record of 82 degrees F, set in 2023.
Looking ahead a bit, we are expecting more rain through Thursday night, with an additional one to two inches expected. Some areas could see as much as four, the NWS said.
Wednesday again will be very warm, with periods of rain in the morning followed by a couple of showers and a thunderstorm in the afternoon. AccuWeather said this round of thunderstorms could also bring hail and damaging winds.
More storms are possible Thursday and Saturday.
For now, Friday is looking drier, with a little bit of sunshine.
Check the 10-day forecast from AccuWeather at this link.
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A Flood Watch has been issued for the entire WWJ listening area
A Flood Watch has been issued for the entire WWJ listening area
