Tornadoes, large hail, and severe winds are expected to impact southeast Michigan between 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. Friday when a powerful line of storms rolls across the area.
The National Weather Service in Detroit/Pontiac has declared an Enhanced Risk zone, which encompasses cities from Ann Arbor to Monroe, due to worries that storms may maintain peak strength overnight. Winds might reach 70 mph, hail could be one inch in diameter, and a few tornadoes are possible—especially if storms remain organized into the early morning hours.
The increased threat zone encompasses Detroit, Jackson, and Adrian. We advise motorists to avoid late-night driving, secure outdoor objects, and equip themselves with various methods of receiving weather alerts, including systems that can wake them.
These storms may arrive in a broken line, but forecasters warn that the strongest cells may cause unexpected power outages or downed trees, similar to last July’s terrible occurrence. This is one of the season’s first widespread tornado threats in lower Michigan.
Warnings continue in effect until early Friday morning, and more watches or alerts may be issued as the storm system moves forward.