Severe Storms Roll Across The State
SOUTHFIELD (WWJ) - Multiple reports of ominous clouds, high winds and large hail rolled in, early Wednesday evening, as severe storms blew across the state.
A flash flood watch was issued for St. Clair County through Thursday morning. A severe thunderstorm warning for Oakland, Macomb, Lapeer and St. Clair counties and a severe thunderstorm watch expired at 7 p.m..
One inch hail was reported in Memphis, Michigan, by the fire department. Three-quarter of an inch hail was reported in Clarkston. A trained weather spotter reported a roof blew off a barn near Lapeer. A 74-miles per hour wind gust was reported in Swartz Creek, southwest of Flint. A 59-miles per hour wind gust was reported at the National Weather Service office in White Lake in northern Oakland County.
Jack Watti, who works at a restaurant near 26 Mile and Romeo Plank, described what he saw.
"We saw what looked like a tornado touch down, about a half-mile away. It looked like a giant funnel cloud," said Watti.
WWJ also spoke with Richmond resident Keith McLaughlin who said he saw some ominous clouds touching the ground.
"The clouds were very, very dark and very heavy on the ground. I thought I had a tornado sighting, but ... it looks like it was just getting ready to do a tornado," said McLaughlin.
WWJ TV Chief Meteorologist Jim Madaus talked about what's causing these summer storms. "It has been a warm humid week so far. We have an unusually high amount of moisture in the atmosphere over the Detroit area. Anytime you have a tropical setup like we currently have, all you have to do is sneeze, and a thunderstorm will break out," he said.
Meantime, some parts of the metro area are still recovering from Tuesday night's severe weather, which knocked out power to thousands, and more rain is on the way this week.
Have photos of the storm or storm damage you want to share? Email them to us at WWJNewsroom@cbsradio.com and they may appear here at CBSDetroit.com.
Here's the forecast from the WWJ weather team:
Wednesday Night - Mostly cloudy. Showers and thunderstorms likely mainly before midnight … heavy rainfall possible. Lows 63 to 67. South winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 60 percent.
Thursday – Cloudy. Numerous showers with a chance of thunderstorms. Highs 71 to 75. Southwest winds 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 70 percent.
Thursday Night – Cloudy. A chance of showers. Lows 57 to 61. Southwest winds 5 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 50 percent.
Friday – Mostly cloudy. A chance of showers. Highs 67 to 71. Chance of rain 30 percent.
Friday Night – Partly cloudy. Lows 57 to 61.
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