The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch that includes the eastern half of the lower peninsula of Michigan, in addition to several counties in northwest Ohio.
There are already severe thunderstorm warnings associated with this weather system.
The watch is expected to be in effect until 8 p.m.
Severe weather had been in the forecast earlier today.
Here are the details:
URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 477
NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
1255 PM EDT Wed Jul 20 2022
The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a
* Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
Eastern Lower Michigan
Northwest Ohio
Lake Erie
Lake Huron
* Effective this Wednesday afternoon and evening from 1255 PM
until 800 PM EDT.
* Primary threats include…
Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible
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SUMMARY…Thunderstorms are developing along a cold front sweeping across the watch area. Strong winds aloft and hot/humid conditions will pose a risk of damaging wind gusts and hail in the stronger cells.
The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 45 statute miles east and west of a line from 40 miles north northeast of Alpena MI to 50 miles south southwest of Findlay OH. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU7).
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…
REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes.
For additional details specific to your county, check your National Weather Service bureau.
Here are the links:
National Weather Service Detroit
National Weather Service Gaylord
National Weather Service Grand Rapids
National Weather Service Northern Indiana
Paula Wethington is a digital producer for Gannett’s Michigan newspapers. Twitter @WethingtonPaula.