Severe Thunderstorms Predicted This Evening

Severe thunderstorms are headed toward southeast Michigan, according to a statement issued by the National Weather Service. The worst of the storms are expected between 5 p.m. and midnight.

Winds could gust up to 70 miles an hour and bring hail up to an inch in diameter, with what the weather-service statement called "a slight chance" of tornadoes. The storms likely will include torrential rainfall, which could cause flooding.

The storms will move northwest to southeast at about 40 miles an hour, according to the weather service statement. The following counties likely will be affected: Livingston, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Wayne, Midland, Bay, Huron, Saginaw, Tuscola, Sanilac, Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Lenawee and Monroe

The storms could continue intermittently through the week.

For tonight, the weather statement said trained spotters may be needed.

DTE Energy also issued a statement in advance of the storms, advising customers to be prepared by unplugging major appliances or sensitive electronics to avoid damage from power surges. Other tips, if you lose power:

• Report it — that helps DTE determine the extent of the outage and damage to the electrical grid. You can report outages from a mobile device, at mobile.dteenergy.com, by phone at 800-477-4747 or online.
• Be aware that estimates for restoring power take several hours to prepare, so may not be immediately available. Restoration estimates can change once crews have assessed equipment damage and debris removal requirements—or by new storms.

Stay safe

• Keep yourself, children and pets at least 20 feet from downed power lines and anything they may be touching, including water puddles and metal fences.
• Never drive across a downed power line. If a power line falls on your vehicle, remain inside your vehicle until help arrives.