4Warn Weather – Severe thunderstorms raced across Southeast Michigan Wednesday evening after temperatures soared into the 50s and 60s.
The primary threat was large hail.
How large was the hail?
The hail that fell is large enough to damage vehicles. In Livingston County, hail that measured 1.25 inches in diameter was reported in Fowlerville around 5:30 p.m. That is the size of half dollars.
Quarter-sized (one-inch) hail was reported in Tyrone Township around 6 p.m.
Minutes later, the storm moved into Oakland County with quarter-sized hail in Davisburg.
Penny-sized (0.75-inch) hail was reported in White Lake Township and Lake Orion.
Strong storms beyond warned areas
In addition to severe thunderstorm warnings for Livingston and Oakland counties, a cluster of strong thunderstorms moved through other Southeast Michigan communities, bringing heavy rain and the potential for gusty winds and small hail.
What to do when a warning is issued
When a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued or threatening weather approaches, seek shelter in a sturdy building until the storm passes.
Go to an interior room on the lowest floor and stay away from windows.
Is severe weather common in February?
The severe weather swept across Southeast Michigan with snow still on the ground.
It developed as a warm front lifted northward across the region, leading to a collision of warm and cold air.
While severe weather is uncommon in February, Wednesday’s surge of springlike warmth, coupled with a powerful system, created just enough energy for thunderstorms to strengthen.
With cool air closer to the ground this time of year, hail has less time to melt before reaching the surface. That can make wintertime thunderstorms more efficient at producing hail.
Unusually warm weather also contributed to dangerous storms two years ago. In the early morning hours of Feb. 28, 2024, following a day of temperatures in the 60s and 70s, a strong cold front pushed across Southeast Michigan.
One of the storms produced an EF-2 tornado in Grand Blanc with peak winds of 115 mph.
The 4Warn Weather team will continue to track conditions and expected weather in Southeast Michigan. Download the 4Warn Weather app, and stay with Local 4 and ClickOnDetroit.com for live radar and the latest alerts.
Share any damage and weather photos with Local 4 at MIPics.
Find the latest forecast from the 4Warn Weather team here
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