4Warn Weather – Southeast Michigan could see multiple rounds of thunderstorms from Friday evening through Saturday afternoon, with a few storms capable of becoming severe, according to the National Weather Service.
The Storm Prediction Center has placed the region under a Marginal Risk (Level 1 of 5) for severe weather.
The main threats include hail up to about 1 inch in diameter and damaging wind gusts, though an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
Tornadoes in Southwest Michigan
The storms arrive as severe weather has already been reported elsewhere in the state.
Confirmed tornado reports came out of parts of Southwest Michigan Friday afternoon, including the Three Rivers area, where the tornado damaged homes and businesses.
In Southeast Michigan, the first round of storms is expected Friday evening as a warm front lifts north into the state.
Scattered thunderstorms could develop through about 11 p.m., moving from southwest to northeast around 35 to 40 mph.
Another round of showers and thunderstorms is expected to redevelop Saturday morning and continue into the afternoon ahead of a cold front.
“While widespread severe weather is not expected, a few storms could become strong,” the National Weather Service said. “The main concerns are hail and strong winds.”
Even outside of thunderstorms, strong winds will be possible on Saturday.
Southwest winds could gust 35 to 40 mph at times, creating difficult driving conditions for high-profile vehicles across Southeast Michigan.
Despite the storm chances, temperatures will surge well above normal for early March.
Highs Saturday are expected to reach the mid to upper 60s across much of the region.
Dense Fog Advisory
Apart from the concerns from storms, dense fog may impact travel on Friday evening.
A Dense Fog Advisory is in effect across much of Southeast Michigan, with visibility potentially dropping to one-quarter mile or less.
The advisory includes Washtenaw and Monroe counties until 10 p.m. Friday, and Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, and St. Clair counties until 1 a.m. Saturday.
Drivers are urged to slow down, use low-beam headlights, and allow extra distance between vehicles when traveling in fog.
Behind the cold front, quieter weather returns Sunday with partly sunny skies and highs in the upper 50s.
Be sure to have multiple ways to get alerts. Share any weather photos with Local 4 at MIPics.
→ ‘Metal roofing flying everywhere’: SW Michigan witness describes tornado passing near shopping plaza
→ Deep dive: Do communities still need tornado sirens? What research says
More: Video shows tornado rips roof off business in Southwest Michigan
Find the latest forecast from the 4Warn Weather team here
Remember to download the free 4Warn weather app -- it’s easily one of the best in the nation. Just search your app store under WDIV, and it’s right there, available for both iPhones and Androids! Or click the appropriate link below.