METRO DETROIT (WWJ) - While Metro Detroiters woke up to dry conditions and seasonable temperatures this morning, the weather is expected to turn dicey by Thursday afternoon as the potential for severe storms continues to build in Southeast Michigan.
WWJ's AccuWeather Meteorologist Dean DeVore said the humidity will kick it up a notch on Thursday and help fuel thunderstorm development ahead of a cold front forecasted to sweep across the area.
Severe weather is possible anywhere from noon to 8 p.m.
DeVore said flash flooding, damaging winds and even a tornado are all in the cards as the National Weather Service forecasted hail up to 1 inch or more and wind gusts of up to 60 mph.
According to AccuWeather Local StormMax, wind gusts could reach 80 mph.
"There is a Slight Risk for severe thunderstorms exists Thursday for areas mainly south of M 59," the NWS said. "Storms may develop as scattered cells before transitioning into a squall line."
The Slight Risk category (a level 2 out of 5) assigned by the NWS says conditions for favorable for "short-lived or not widespread, isolated intense storms."
Some storms may pop off midday, but the bulk of the severe weather is forecasted to strike in the mid to late afternoon hours. They're expected to move from west to east at around 40 mph.
"There may be enough wind shear in the atmosphere associated with a storm system that pivots across the Midwest to allow tornadoes to develop in the strongest thunderstorms on Thursday in parts of the Great Lakes region," AccuWeather Director of Forecast Operations Dan DePodwin said.
Storm chances decrease significantly by nightfall.
Thursday's severe weather threat comes a week after an EF-1 tornado touched down near Colon in Southwest Michigan on July 12. The twister was on the ground for roughly 2.92 miles with a peak estimated wind speed of 90 MPH.
Not 48 hours later, another round of strong storms swept through Southeast Michigan, with a confirmed EF-0 tornado striking Sanilac County near Lexington on Friday, July 14.
According to NWS, the tornado reached maximum wind gusts of 85 mph and tracked for roughly 5 miles.
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.
Stay tuned to the latest weather updates with WWJ Traffic and Weather on the :08s by listening LIVE.