A 4Warn Weather Alert has been issued for the afternoon and evening of Wednesday, June 17, across Southeast Michigan as a storm system brings the threat of heavy rain, flash flooding and severe thunderstorms.
A Flood Watch has been issued for Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties through 4 a.m. Thursday, June 18.
Full forecast --> Flooding, severe storms possible Wednesday evening across Southeast Michigan -- what to know
What is a 4Warn Weather Alert?
We issue a 4Warn Weather Alert when we’re expecting weather conditions that will be inconvenient to our viewers.
Why did we issue an alert for Wednesday?
Heavy rain, flash flooding and severe thunderstorms are a risk in Wednesday’s storm system.
Rain will begin to overspread Southeast Michigan during the afternoon hours, with light but steady rainfall expected to blanket much of the region by mid-afternoon.
Conditions will deteriorate further on Wednesday evening as thunderstorms begin developing after 6 p.m. This could greatly impact the evening drive as rain becomes heavier, possibly reducing visibility and creating ponding and pooling on the roads. Remember, just a few inches of moving water can sweep away a vehicle, so turn around, don’t drown.
Some of these storms may become strong to severe, bringing the risk of damaging wind gusts, large hail, isolated tornadoes, and flash flooding.
The greatest concern remains the potential for torrential rainfall that could overwhelm drainage systems and cause localized flooding.
Widespread rainfall totals of 1 to 2 inches are expected across much of Southeast Michigan, with localized swaths of 3 inches or more possible where thunderstorms repeatedly track over the same locations. The heaviest rainfall is expected between 8 p.m. and 12 a.m. Check the sump pump in your basement!
Related --> Flood safety: How does heavy rainfall lead to flooding?
Most of Southeast Michigan remains under a Slight Risk (Level 2 of 5) for severe weather Wednesday afternoon and evening.
Areas north of I-69 are included in a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5), where isolated severe storms remain possible.