Severe Storms Sweep Southeast Michigan, Prompting Weather Alerts

The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch covering 17 counties in southeast Michigan. The watch runs until 4 a.m. Wednesday, April 15, 2026.

A related flood watch begins at 8 p.m. on April 14. It remains in effect until 2 a.m. on April 17, 2026.

Areas included

The tornado watch covers counties across the region. Officials named Bay, Genesee, Huron, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Midland, Monroe, Oakland, Saginaw, Sanilac, Shiawassee, St. Clair, Tuscola, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.

• Major cities mentioned include Ann Arbor, Flint, Pontiac, Southfield, Troy, Warren, Livonia, Dearborn and Westland.
• Other communities named were Sterling Heights, Saginaw, Monroe, Midland, Port Huron, Brighton and Howell.
• Smaller suburbs and villages such as Lapeer, Canton, Taylor, Royal Oak and Novi are also affected.

Threats and risk levels

The watch means conditions are favorable for tornado formation. Forecasters warned of severe thunderstorms with damaging winds, large hail and heavy rain.

Most of Metro Detroit is under an enhanced level 3 risk on a 1-to-5 scale. The tornado probability was listed at 5 percent. Gust potential reached 30 percent.

Rounds of storms were expected through Tuesday night across Metro Detroit. Residents were advised to stay alert to changing conditions.

Safety guidance

Officials urged people to have multiple ways to receive warnings overnight. Keep a battery-powered radio or a phone with alerts enabled.

Be prepared to move to a safe shelter quickly if warnings are issued. Follow local emergency instructions and avoid flood-prone areas.

County-specific alerts

Filmogaz.com will provide ongoing updates and safety information as conditions evolve. Check local forecasts and official alerts often.