Michigan at Highest Risk for Severe Weather
Isolated Tornadoes Possible
Michigan is facing the highest risk for severe weather in the United States on Wednesday, with the possibility of isolated tornadoes throughout the afternoon and evening. The Severe Weather Prediction Center has categorized Southern Michigan, including Southeast Michigan and most of the Thumb region, as being at an Elevated Risk for severe storms. This is the third highest category on a scale of five. The risk zone extends into Northern Ohio and Indiana.
The primary threats for Wednesday’s storms include damaging winds, hail, isolated tornado activity, and localized flooding. It is rare for Michigan to experience such high levels of severe weather risk, as the state is typically listed in the Marginal or Slight risk categories. However, areas stretching into Saginaw are listed in the Slight risk category.
The risk categories for severe storms are as follows: Marginal, Slight, Enhanced, Moderate, and High. Each category represents a progressively larger threat for organized severe storm episodes. Marginal risk indicates limited organization and longevity or very low coverage and marginal intensity. Slight risk represents organized severe storms that are not widespread in coverage but have varying levels of intensity. Enhanced risk indicates greater severe storm coverage compared to Slight risk, also with varying levels of intensity. Moderate risk suggests widespread severe weather with several tornadoes and/or numerous severe thunderstorms, some of which may be intense. Finally, High risk is reserved for severe weather outbreaks with numerous intense and long-tracked tornadoes or a long-lived thunderstorm complex producing hurricane-force wind gusts and widespread damage.
Michigan residents are advised to stay informed about the weather conditions and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety.