Tornado Watch in Effect for Oakland County

The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Oakland County as of Thursday morning.

The watch, which is in effect for all of Southeast Michigan, will remain in effect through 6 p.m. Thursday.

The NWS has also issued a hazardous weather outlook and flood watch for Southeastern Michigan with severe thunderstorms possible this afternoon.

According to the NWS forecast, thunderstorms expected after 2 p.m. today could be severe, with large hail, damaging winds and heavy rain. Winds may gust as high as 33 miles per hour. Snow showers are possible Friday night. 

A tornado watch means that weather conditions are right for tornadoes to form in the area.

The flood watch is in effect through Friday morning. 

Tips from the Red Cross

In the case of severe thunderstorms, the American Red Cross of Southeastern Michigan recommends:

• Make sure to learn about your local community’s emergency warning and alert system.
• Discuss thunderstorm safety with all members of your household so everyone knows what to do when a storm hits.
• Pick a safe place in your home for household members to gather during a thunderstorm. This should be away from windows, skylights and glass doors that could be broken by strong winds or hail.
• If a flood or flash flood warning is issued for your area, head for higher ground and stay there. Don’t try and drive through a flooded road, turn around and go another way.
• Keep children out of the water, as it can be filled with debris or contaminated.
• Be just as cautious at night as you would be during the day; flooding and flash floods can happen at any moment.