Southeast Michigan faces a risk of severe weather as thunderstorms and rainfall hit the area Wednesday afternoon.
According to the National Weather Service in White Lake, a line of showers and thunderstorms will move through the region Wednesday afternoon into the evening.
Storms brought high winds, lightning and heavy rain to the region, with the risk of flooding and hail. Scattered thunderstorms will continue throughout the evening, with most passing over metro Detroit around 7 p.m. Storm damage affected area businesses, knocking out traffic lights and bringing down tree limbs, while storm debris was scattered on local roads.
The NWS issued several weather warnings throughout the afternoon. A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect for parts of the Thumb, including Sandusky, Croswell and Yale, until 5:15 p.m. A special weather statement warns of winds up to 50 miles per hour in Detroit, Warren and Sterling Heights until 5:15 p.m.
A special marine warning is in effect for a portion of the Lake Huron coast, including Harbor Beach and Port Austin. A severe thunderstorm warning is in effect in the New Baltimore, Marysville and Richmond areas until 5:30 p.m.
DTE Energy reports 98% of customers have power, with approximately 24,000 outages, as of 5 p.m. Consumer Energy reports that 99% of customers have power as approximately 2,000 customers experience outages.
The Great Lakes Water Authority issued a storm warning Wednesday afternoon warning of the risk of flooding in the region. The system is operating normally and is prepared for any problems, the GLWA said.
GLWA advises local residents to exercise caution, including removing valuables from basements and avoiding running washing machines and dishwashers during heavy rainfall.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Heavy rain, storms move through Michigan, flood risk increases
