Flash flood warning issued for northern Michigan; chance of storms in Metro Detroit

A slight chance of thunderstorms remains for southeast Michigan overnight as a cold front pushed through lower part of the state.

The threat of severe weather has expired, however, the National Weather Service said after storms moved through the state Monday evening, producing flash flood threats in parts of central Michigan.

The strongest storms could affect Metro Detroit and Midland, Bay, Huron, Saginaw, Tuscola, Sanilac, Shiawassee, Genesee, Lapeer, St. Clair, Washtenaw, Lenawee and Monroe counties and carry wind gusts up to 35 mph, the weather service said.

Remaining thunderstorms will end in the morning for eastern Upper Michigan and northern Lower Michigan, including Emmet, Cheboygan, Presque Isle, Leelanau, Alpena, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Crawford, western and eastern Mackinac, Mackinac Island, Bois Blanc Ilsand, Beaver Island and surrounding islands, and Charlevoix.

Storms that moved through west Michigan resulted in power outages. As of 10:30 p.m. there were 24,202 Consumers Energy customers without power according to an outage map. 

Elsewhere, the National Weather Service issued a flash flood warning for parts of northern Michigan and a flood advisory for parts of central Michigan. 

The warning was in effect until 1:15 a.m. Tuesday for northwest Arenac County, northern Gladwin County, southwest Ogemaw County and southeast Roscommon County.

A flood advisory was issued for north central Isabella and southeast Clare counties in central Michigan  until 12:45 a.m. Tuesday. Cities that could be affected by heavy rain from storms include Clare, Farwell and Beal City.

The National Weather Service in Gaylord said heavy rain across the areas affected by the warning left up to 3 inches of rain in some areas. "Flash flooding is ongoing or expected to begin shortly," it said.

The weather service office in Grand Rapids also issued a lake shore flood advisory until 10 a.m. Tuesday, warning of "a rapid rise and fall of water level along the shore" on Monday evening. A beach hazard statement also warned of high waves, strong currents, dangerous swimming conditions and piers that "may be heavily swamped by waves."

According to the National Weather Service, the strongest storms could hit before midnight. 

"There is some uncertainly with these storms, although we are at a marginal risk for Metro Detroit for severe weather," said Megan Varcie, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service in White Lake Township. "There is uncertainly with the intensity as well the coverage of these storms."

Varcie said that Lenawee and Monroe counties are most likely to see isolated severe weather with up to 60 mph wind gusts. 

Southwest Michigan also is expecting hazardous weather Monday evening with possible severe thunderstorms with wind gusts greater than 70 mph. 

Counties in eastern upper Michigan also are affected, as are portions of Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Lake St. Clair, where a hazardous weather outlook also is in effect, with wind gusts up to 50 mph are possible as storms move west to east at 25 knots.

The greatest threat will be south of the Interstate 96 corridor, according the National Weather Service.

High winds could cause power outages as well as damage to trees and structures.

Extended forecast

Tuesday: A chance of showers and thunderstorms. Partly sunny, with a high near 85 and a low of 66 degrees.

Wednesday: Mostly sunny, with a high near 86 and a low of 68 degrees.

Thursday: Partly sunny, with a high near 86 and a low of 68.

Friday: Partly sunny, with a high near 85 and a low of 69.

Saturday: A chance of showers. Partly sunny, with a high near 84. and a low of 68.

Sunday: A chance of showers. Mostly sunny, with a high near 85.