DETROIT (WWJ) - Scattered severe storms carrying a risk for strong tornadoes, damaging winds and large hail are expected across Lower Michigan and into Detroit for the second time in five days.
According to the National Weather Service, the potential for dangerous super cells in the Great Lakes state was upgraded from 'slight' to 'enhanced' more than 24 hours ahead of its expected impact on Wednesday.
But what does an enhanced risk for severe weather actually mean? And what can Metro Detroiters expect?
The NWS's Storm Prediction Center is the mastermind behind the severe weather outlooks, which are made three days in advance and upgraded as needed. Forecasters predict severe thunderstorm threats across the U.S. and "specifies the level of the overall severe weather threat via numbers (e.g., 5), descriptive labeling (e.g., HIGH), and colors (e.g., magenta)."
Meteorologists estimate the probability of a severe weather event occurring within 25 miles of a certain point and then list severe thunderstorm risk areas by state or region.
A Level 3 or 'Enhanced' risk outlook means there is "high confidence that several storms will contain damaging winds, severe hail and/or tornadoes. Several severe storms could be significant."
The storms are expected to be more widespread and can vary in intensity in areas considered at 'Enhanced' risk and precautions should be taken in advance of when severe weather is expected to hit.
Forecasters said many of the same areas that were struck by violent thunderstorms on Friday, March 31 will face a similar threat beginning late Tuesday as a powerful low pressure systems sets up a strong cold front.
That front, along with the risk of tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds, will sweep across eastern Illinois through Lower Michigan on Wednesday.
AccuWeather said 16 states could all experience severe weather stretching from Texas all the way to the Upper Midwest.
More than two dozen people lost their lives and dozens of others were injured due to severe weather on Friday, according to NBC news.
"On Friday alone, there were more than 600 filtered reports of severe weather, including 116 reports of tornadoes in the central U.S.," AccuWeather experts stated. "An additional 250-plus severe weather incidents occurred on Saturday as storms pushed into the Eastern states."
In Michigan, an EF-0 tornado with peak wind speeds of 80 mph struck the Village of Dundee the morning April 1, leaving behind debris and destruction in its wake.
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Wind speeds picked up as the twister entered downtown Dundee, where -- aided by "funneling effects" between downtown buildings -- the NWS said the tornado partially blew off a roof. Windows were also blown out, and there was also some damage to trees and some cars, the NWS said.
The same conditions that spawned off the Dundee tornado are expected in Michigan for the second time in less than a week. Experts say Michiganders need to take time now to prepare for severe weather and stay tuned to the latest updates as the forecast can change.
State officials with MI Ready say the following precautions can be made ahead
• Identify safe rooms built to FEMA criteria or ICC500 storm shelters or other potential protective locations in sturdy buildings near your home, work, and other locations you frequent so you have a plan for where you will go quickly for safety when there is a Warning or an approaching tornado.
• For schools, malls, and other buildings with long-span roofs or open space plans, or many occupants, ask the building manager to identify the best available refuge.
• Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
• Sign up for your community’s warning system. The Emergency Alert System (EAS) and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts. If your community has sirens, become familiar with the warning tone.
• Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information. Meteorologists can predict when conditions might be right for a tornado. In any emergency, always listen to the instructions given by local emergency management officials.
• Be alert to changing weather conditions. Look for approaching storms.
• Look for the following danger signs:
- Dark, often greenish sky
- Large hail
- A large, dark, low-lying cloud (particularly if rotating)
- Loud roar, similar to a freight train.
- If you see approaching storms or any of the danger signs, be prepared to take shelter immediately
For more information about being prepared in severe weather, including what to do during a tornado, how to handle the aftermath of storms and additional resources, visit Michigan.gov/miready.