(WWJ) After a brief break from this summer's relentlessly wet and windy weather, metro Detroit is in for another round.
Heavy downpours, flooding, large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes are a concern with a line of strong to severe thunderstorms set to strike Southeast Michigan on Tuesday.
After a pleasant morning as many metro Detroit kids boarded the bus for their first day of school, WWJ AccuWeather Meteorologist Dean DeVore said the afternoon forecast looks quite different.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for much of lower Michigan, including the metro Detroit area, in effect until 11 p.m.
It'll be windy and warm, he said, before this storm system moves in... with temperatures rising into the mid-80s.
"The first of the thunderstorms that could produce strong winds that could spin up into a tornado will start to hit some of the western suburbs late this afternoon, get into the city (of Detroit), and near suburbs this evening."
Damaging wind gusts are expected, DeVore said ... which means power outages could again be a problem. [CHECK THE DTE OUTAGE MAP]
"There could even be a isolated tornado in that," he stressed, "especially north and west of the city."
The Great Lakes Water Authority (GLWA) is asking residents to be on high alert and prepared, especially those in low lying areas and those who have previously received flooding in recent months.
Anticipated rainfall is less than a tenth of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms, and tonight rainfall is expected to be between three quarters and one inch.
"The regional system is working as designed and is in dry weather conditions, and currently has capacity to handle the predicted rainfall. In anticipation of the severe weather, GLWA has staffed accordingly," the authority said, in a statement.
Michigan State Police are reminding residents not to try to drive through flooded roads and freeways.
DeVore said, after this passes, metro Detroit will dry out later Tuesday night, with temps dropping down into the 60s.
And there's good news: It's looking pretty good for the rest of the week.
"Tomorrow, gorgeous!" DeVore said. "Cooler, with sunshine, some fair weather clouds, a breeze and a high 76."
DeVore said he can't rule out a shower on Thursday, but "it looks sunny and nice" both Friday and Saturday.
Here's the AccuWeather 10-day forecast for Detroit:
AccuWeather
For the latest updates, keep your radio tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for traffic and weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s. Want to listen to WWJ on your phone or tablet? Download the FREE Audacy app.
