Meteorologists warn that a severe thunderstorm watch now covers nearly all of Lower Michigan and much of the state on Monday, May 18, as the Storm Prediction Center issued the alert, according to MLive.
The National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for Wayne County just before 2:45 p.m., expiring at 3:45 p.m., reporting a storm cell producing 60 MPH winds and penny sized hail, with possible damage to roofs, siding, and trees, as reported by FOX 2.
The Storm Prediction Center and MLive say the watch increases wind gust potential to as high as 80 mph in some thunderstorms, a change prompted in part by a 79 mph gust reported at Midway Airport, according to NOAA and MLive.
Hail sizes noted in the coverage vary by source, with FOX 2 citing possible hail up to one inch, and MLive warning up to 1.5 inches in diameter in stronger cells. Both outlets note isolated tornadoes remain possible during late afternoon and evening hours.
Forecast Outlook And Safety Considerations
FOX 2 reports severe weather is expected between about 3 p.m. and 9 p.m., with any storm that intensifies capable of producing large hail, damaging gusts, torrential downpours, frequent lightning, and loud thunder.
Because storms are likely to remain scattered, some neighborhoods may receive very little rain while others face brief, intense downpours. Overnight lows are expected to hold near 68 degrees with breezy conditions and a few isolated showers or storms lingering, FOX 2 reports.
Tuesday is forecast to be hot and humid again, with highs climbing into the upper 80s and spotty afternoon and evening storms possible. A cold front between Tuesday night and Wednesday should bring cooler Canadian air, dropping temperatures into the 60s for the second half of the week, FOX 2 adds.
MLive urges anyone in the path of fast moving severe storms to move indoors to a sturdy building, avoid metal sheds, and seek basement or interior rooms if wind noise rapidly increases, noting the main threats will be damaging winds and very large hail.
