Severe thunderstorm warnings issued for Monroe, Washtenaw, and Ingham counties; damaging winds, quarter size hail expected

The National Weather Service issued an updated severe thunderstorm warning for Monroe and Washtenaw counties at 5:39 p.m. EDT on Saturday, August 16, which will remain in effect until 6:30 p.m. EDT.

The storm is expected to bring wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to one inch in diameter.

The weather service states, “At 5:38 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located near Ypsilanti, moving southeast at 10 mph. Hail damage to vehicles is expected. Expect wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees", MLive quoted.


The storm may impact the following locations: Ypsilanti around 5:45 p.m. and Willis around 6 p.m.

Other areas of Michigan potentially affected include Oakville, Pittsfield Township, and Whittaker.

The weather service advises: “For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building. Torrential rainfall is occurring with this storm, and may lead to flash flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded roadways.”

In another warning, the NWS in Grand Rapids has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 6:15 p.m. EDT for northeastern Ingham County, covering Lansing, Williamston, Webberville, Okemos, and Haslett. Winds up to 60 mph and quarter-size hail are expected.

Severe thunderstorm safety tips

• Seek shelter indoors immediately – move to a sturdy building and stay away from windows.
  
  
  
• Go to the lowest level of your home or building, preferably an interior room without windows.
  
  
  
• Avoid using electrical appliances and corded phones during the storm.
  
  
  
• Stay off the roads if possible; do not attempt to drive through flooded areas.
  
  
  
• Secure outdoor items such as patio furniture, umbrellas, or grills that could become projectiles in high winds.
  
  
  
• If outside and unable to reach shelter, avoid open fields, tall isolated trees, and bodies of water.
  
  
  
• Stay tuned to local weather alerts via radio, TV, or mobile notifications for updates.