Severe Thunderstorm Watch in effect across southeast Michigan
Monday, June 9, 2025 – A powerful upper-level low-pressure system moving into southeastern Michigan is creating favorable conditions for severe thunderstorms throughout the afternoon and evening. The National Weather Service has issued a Severe Thunderstorm Watch effective until 10 p.m. across most of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, including the Metro Detroit area.
Counties currently under watch
As of 3:15 p.m. EDT, the following counties are under official alert:
Genesee, Livingston, and Washtenaw, with additional nearby areas likely affected as the storm system evolves.
Threats associated with the storm
The primary hazards expected through tonight include:
Damaging wind gusts of up to 70 mph (113 km/h), capable of knocking down trees and power lines, causing scattered outages and road blockages.
Hail is also possible, potentially quarter-size or larger, posing a risk to vehicles, windows, and crops.
Frequent cloud-to-ground lightning may accompany the storms, making outdoor activities hazardous, especially in open areas and near bodies of water.
Meteorological setup
This activity is driven by a dynamic upper-level trough sweeping in from the Great Plains, interacting with moist and unstable air currently pooling over southern Michigan. Afternoon temperatures in the region are reaching the mid-80s °F (around 29–30 °C), combining with dew points in the upper 60s °F (around 20 °C) to fuel intense thunderstorm development.
Shear values are increasing aloft, providing support for rotating cells and organized clusters. The most intense storms are likely between 5 p.m. and 9 p.m., coinciding with peak instability and upper-level forcing.
Areas of greatest concern
While much of the Lower Peninsula is at risk, southeast Michigan, including Ann Arbor, Flint, Brighton, and the greater Detroit Metro area, remains most vulnerable due to higher moisture and stronger wind shear.
Motorists on Interstates 75, 94, and 96 should remain vigilant for sudden changes in visibility, strong gusts, and ponding on roadways. Urban flooding is also a non-negligible concern in low-lying city zones.
Duration and outlook
This watch remains in effect through 10 p.m. EDT, but individual warnings may be issued as storms intensify and move across counties. Isolated strong storms could linger beyond the watch period, especially if convection continues overnight along a pre-frontal boundary.
Conditions will gradually improve overnight as the cold front advances eastward, but residual moisture may support scattered showers into Tuesday morning across eastern Michigan.
