Dangerous Storms Coming to Michigan This Week

Author Anne Erickson

February 26th 2:02 PM

It’s been a very mild winter in Michigan this season, for the most part, and I’m not mad about it. Any winter without a lot of snow is a winner in my book. Now, Michigan is heading into some possibly record-breaking temperatures this week. If you’re a warm weather fan, like myself, then that sounds great, right? Well, the problem is that with that warm weather comes storms, and some dangerous storms are coming to Michigan.

That’s something we’re not too familiar with in February in Michigan, having thunderstorms instead of snowstorms. But, it’s happening. Here’s the forecast.

“Record warmth provides an unstable environment for storms along and ahead of a strong cold front timed to pass through southeast Michigan Wednesday morning (Feb. 28),” states the National Weather Service in Michigan. “Strong west winds are then expected to persist through Wednesday afternoon with gusts likely reaching 40 mph. Temperatures turn sharply colder with a rain-snow mix likely before precipitation ends Wednesday afternoon particularly in the Thumb.”

While the biggest storms appear to be going into Wednesday, the Severe Weather Prediction Center has put most of the southern half of Lower Michigan in a risk level for severe storms on both Monday and Tuesday evenings. The risk is higher for Tuesday evening. Currently, Grand Rapids, Saginaw and Detroit are in the “marginal risk” category, so a low risk. But, areas such as Ann Arbor, Kalamazoo and Monroe are in the “slight risk” category for severe weather, which is a step up from “marginal risk.” Still, anything with the word “slight” in there, I’ll take.

What kind of dangerous storms should we expect? The largest issue with these storms is hail, winds and lightning. There’s also a chance that tornados will form, especially on Tuesday night, but that chance is low. Temperatures are supposed to be balmy and in the 60s over most of lower Michigan on Tuesday, as the larger of the storms approaches.

7 Severe Weather Safety Tips That May Save Your Life

• 1. Know the Difference Between an Advisory, Watch and Warning

  A weather advisory, watch and warning all need to be taken seriously. So, what do they mean? According to the National Weather Service, “a warning is issued when a hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely.” A watch is where “the risk of a hazardous weather or hydrologic event has increased significantly, but its occurrence, location or timing is still uncertain.” Finally, an advisory means, “hazardous weather or hydrologic event is occurring, imminent or likely.”

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• 2. Stay Inside at All Costs

  During a severe thunderstorm, and any severe weather event, the best thing to do is stay inside and sheltered. “The best defense against thunderstorms is to stay inside a sturdy building or shelter that can protect you from deadly lightning, large hail, damaging winds, flooding rain and tornadoes,” the National Weather Service says. Also, you don’t want to risk getting hit by lightning, like in the image below.

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• 3. Get Low and Protected

  During a tornado, get underground if possible. If you don’t have a basement, get to the lowest floor possible. Also, during a tornado, watch for flying and falling debris. The National Weather Service advises to “use pillows, blankets, coats, helmets, etc. to cover up and protect your head and body from flying debris.”

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• 4. Always Have an Emergency Kit

  Be prepared. Have a good emergency kit, both in your house and your car. For the car, “An emergency kit should include booster cables, shovel, tow rope, sand or cat litter, and a flashlight with extra batteries,” the National Weather Service says. “Do not forget a first aid kit, non-perishable food, and blankets or sleeping bags.”

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• 5. Stay Gassed Up

  This one my mom and dad always tell me to do. And, they’re right. “Keep your gas tank near full to avoid ice in the tank and fuel line,” the National Weather Service advises.

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• 6. Be Prepared for Heat, Too

  Heat can make for a severe weather event, too. So, dress appropriately when it gets really hot. “Lightweight, light-colored clothing reflects heat and sunlight, and helps your body maintain normal temperatures,” the National Weather Service says. They add to guzzle lots of “water or non-alcoholic fluids.”

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• 7. Don't Stick Around

  Sometimes, you just have to leave ahead of the storm to be safe. In the case of a hurricane, the National Weather Service says to “leave immediately if ordered.” They also say that if you are allowed to stay, to “take refuge in a small interior room, closet or hallway on the lowest level during the storm. Put as many walls between you and the outside as you can,” and “stay away from windows, skylights and glass doors.”

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• More tips

  Weather isn’t just about thunderstorms and tornados. Air quality is a big part of weather events these days, too. Be on the lookout for air quality alerts in your area. If you have respiratory issues, you should wear a mask when out and about in bad air quality. You should also say inside if the air quality is especially bad.

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• Be safe on the beach

  Even on a perfect weather day, if you’re at the beach, there are risks. The NOAA states, “To stay safe, you need to stay aware of the weather, the ocean, tide, and what is going on around you.” They add, “Storms, such as thunderstorms, tropical storms, and hurricanes far out at sea can create dangerous waves and currents at the beach, even on a sunny day!”
  

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Author Anne Erickson

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