Severe storms, flooding possible overnight in Southeast Michigan
(CBS DETROIT) - Starting at midnight Tuesday, an organized storm system will threaten Southeast Michigan, with damaging winds, flooding and hail being the main concerns.
The CBS News Detroit NEXT Weather Team has declared Tuesday a NEXT Weather Alert Day.
As strong winds, heavy rain and storms move through tonight, most of Southeast Michigan is now under a slight risk for severe storms (2 out of 5 on the risk scale). The Thumb communities are still at marginal risk (1 out of 5).
Just outside Metro Detroit, southwest Lower Michigan faces an enhanced risk (3 out of 5).
The main storm threats include damaging winds at 60 mph or greater, localized flooding and small hail. However, an isolated tornado cannot be ruled out.
A flood watch has been issued for Livingston, Washtenaw, Macomb, Oakland and Wayne counties from midnight until Tuesday morning. Flooding from excessive rainfall is possible.
Areas could get around half an inch of rainwater from this system, with locally higher amounts in the heaviest downpours.
The timeframe for this complex of thunderstorms will arrive across our western zones at midnight. Hitting the heart of the city at 3 a.m., continuing to push to the east, impacting St. Clair County and Macomb County by 4 a.m. The strongest storms are expected to finally fizzle out closer to 6 a.m.
Lingering showers will remain from 7 a.m. until 10 a.m., and scattered showers are forecast until Wednesday morning.
By Thursday, clear skies can be expected, with highs in the mid-70s for Thursday and Friday. Highs will reach the low and mid-80s for the weekend.
Stay with your NEXT Weather team on-air and streaming live for updates.