Severe weather has prompted multiple alerts across Southeast Michigan, with the National Weather Service (NWS) issuing warnings late Tuesday night. A severe thunderstorm warning was specifically activated for Genesee County amidst a line of storms sweeping through the region.
Severe Thunderstorm Warning Details
The severe thunderstorm warning for Genesee County remains in effect until 1 a.m. EDT. At approximately 11:48 p.m., radar detected thunderstorms extending from Oakley to near Owosso and Laingsburg, moving eastward at roughly 45 mph. The storms are capable of producing wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail the size of a quarter, posing risks to vehicles, buildings, and trees.
Communities in the Impact Zone
- Flushing and Lennon around 12:05 a.m.
- Swartz Creek and Gaines around 12:10 a.m.
- Flint, Mount Morris, and Beecher around 12:15 a.m.
- Burton, Linden, Crossroads Village, and Lake Fenton around 12:20 a.m.
- Fenton and Grand Blanc around 12:25 a.m.
- Davison around 12:30 a.m.
- Goodrich around 12:35 a.m.
Other areas at risk include Atlas, Thetford Township, Argentine, Rankin, and portions of Genesee.
Tornado Watch Issued
A tornado watch has also been issued for 17 counties in Southeast Michigan until 4 a.m. EDT. This watch indicates conditions are favorable for the development of severe thunderstorms and tornadoes. The counties affected include:
- Bay
- Genesee
- Huron
- Lapeer
- Lenawee
- Livingston
- Macomb
- Midland
- Monroe
- Oakland
- Saginaw
- Sanilac
- Shiawassee
- St. Clair
- Tuscola
- Washtenaw
- Wayne
Cities under the watch include Ann Arbor, Flint, Pontiac, Southfield, and Troy, among others. Smaller communities and neighborhoods throughout the region are also affected.
Flood Watches Announced
In addition to the severe thunderstorm and tornado watches, the NWS has issued a flood watch for much of Metro Detroit. This watch is in effect from 8 p.m. on April 14 until 2 a.m. on April 17. The enhanced (level 3) risk for severe weather, assessed on a scale from 1 to 5, indicates that residents should remain vigilant.
Weather Preparedness Recommendations
The NWS advises residents to stay informed about the weather conditions. They recommend having multiple ways to receive alerts and being prepared to seek shelter if necessary. Severe storms pose risks of damaging winds, large hail, and heavy rainfall.
