Three Days Of Severe Storms Coming In Michigan

MICHIGAN — A hazardous weather outlook has been issued for counties all across Michigan as the area prepares for three days of thunderstorms, strong gusts of wind and possible tornadoes, and flooding. Potentially severe thunderstorms are expected to begin Wednesday with heavy rainfall and the chance for isolated tornadoes for the following counties: Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Lenawee, Washtenaw, St. Clair, Livingston, Lapeer, Genesee, Shiawassee, Saginaw, Midland, Huron, Tuscola and Sanilac.

The worst of the storms Wednesday are expected between 4-8 p.m., according to the National Weather Service. Thursday and Friday the primary threat will be heavy rainfall and severe gusts of wind. For the weekend, temperatures will drop to the low seventies with clear skies.

Flood warning

Lakeshore flooding is also possible due to anticipated high water levels along the western Lake Erie shoreline in Monroe and Wayne counties and the Lake St. Clair shoreline in Macomb county. South to southeast winds with gusts to 30 knots will develop Wednesday and it’s expected to produce 3-5 foot waves. The wind and waves will increase water levels along the Lake Erie shoreline to near 70 inches mainly from Monroe to Gibraltar, according to the National Weather Service.

The Lake Erie undisturbed water level is nearly five feet above chart datum, the weather alert noted. The high water level combined with the high wave action will have potential to result in minor shoreline flooding and erosion. Damage to docks, boat lifts, or watercraft anchored along the shoreline will also be possible.

Forecast

Here’s a look at the full forecast over the next three days:

Wednesday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms, then showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm after 2pm. Some of the storms could produce gusty winds and heavy rain. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. Southeast wind 8 to 13 mph, with gusts as high as 23 mph. Chance of precipitation is 60%. New rainfall amounts between a tenth and quarter of an inch, except higher amounts possible in thunderstorms.

Wednesday night
Showers likely and possibly a thunderstorm. Cloudy, with a low around 70. Breezy, with a south southeast wind 15 to 18 mph, with gusts as high as 28 mph. Chance of precipitation is 70%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible.

Thursday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 87. Southwest wind around 13 mph, with gusts as high as 22 mph. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

Thursday night
Partly cloudy, with a low around 68. Southwest wind 6 to 9 mph.

Friday
A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 80. West wind 7 to 10 mph becoming north in the afternoon. Chance of precipitation is 40%.

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