Strong storms, 70 mph winds predicted Monday night across metro Detroit

Emma Stein, Detroit Free Press
·2 min read
1

Hold onto your hat, metro Detroit is in for a week of wacky weather.

Monday night, experts say to prepare for strong storms with winds up to 70 miles per hour.

"It's still kind of uncertain how things will exactly play out," said Dave Kook, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in White Lake. "But there's a large complex of thunderstorms right now over Wisconsin that's going to track southeast through lower Michigan this evening, and that'll bring the first possible round of severe weather to the area. Strong winds are probably the biggest threat, but with these systems, large hail and isolated tornadoes are also possible."

Rather than an isolated storm, Monday night's rainfall is a long line of storms that will impact a large group of people. Kook said the line could stretch 100 miles.

There's also risk of minor flooding and widespread power outages, Kook said. He advises Detroiters to monitor the weather throughout the evening and put away anything outside that could fly away.

In the case of flooding, NWS advises residents to avoid driving, if possible, until the conditions improve.

After Monday's storm, metro Detroit is in for extreme heat that could hit over 100 degrees. Temperatures will start to rapidly climb Tuesday, and they'll peak on Wednesday.

"Humidity is going to be very high, so the temperatures are going to feel even warmer," Kook said.

More: Detroit street collapses — and Gordie Howe bridge construction could be to blame

More: Judge denies Perry Johnson's request to get on August primary ballot

The Michigan State Police is asking residents to take precautions to prepare for the sweltering heat:

  • Drink plenty of water and avoid alcoholic or caffeinated drinks that cause dehydration.

  • Wear clothing that allows good air circulation.

  • Limit vigorous activity.

  • If outside, avoid direct sunlight by staying in the shade.

  • Try to schedule outdoor activities during the morning or evening hours to avoid the hottest part of the day.

  • Cover windows that receive morning or afternoon sun with drapes, shades, blinds or awnings to reduce the amount of heat that enters your home.

  • Check on family members or neighbors who are elderly, young, sick or have other health risks, as they are more susceptible to excessive heat.

  • Ensure pets have cool housing areas and plenty of water.

  • Learn about available cooling centers or public locations with air conditioning in your community.

Contact Emma Stein: estein@freepress.com and follow her on Twitter @_emmastein.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: High winds, flooding possible in Monday night thunderstorm