Tornadoes, 80-mph damaging wind gusts possible in severe squall line, here’s timeline

Another severe storm is expected in Lower Michigan this evening. The weather will change quickly in Lower Michigan this evening.

This storm system has what we meteorologists call “strong dynamics.” Upper-level winds are strong and serve as the engine of severe thunderstorms. As a result of these strong dynamics, the Storm Prediction Center (SPC) placed much of Lower Michigan in a severe weather forecast consisting of isolated tornadoes and strong, gusty storm winds. SPC’s discussion says 80 mph winds are possible given the amount of wind at altitude.

Here are forecasts for three types of severe storm weather: tornadoes, high winds and large hail. The yellow shaded area has a 15 percent chance of severe weather, which is a good enough chance to watch the weather closely.

The airborne dynamics I mentioned earlier, along with wind die-off, make it possible for several tornadoes to form almost anywhere in Lower Michigan. The main threat from tornadoes is in the southern half of Lower Michigan, and especially in the southern third.

The SPC notes that top winds from thunderstorms can reach 80 mph.

Any severe storm can produce hail. Tonight’s storms are not expected to produce significant large hail. I would still park your car in the garage this evening before the storm hits your area.

The radar forecast gives you a timeline of the squall line of severe storms.

Early this evening, between 5pm and 7pm, thunderstorms will develop over southwest and midwest Lower Michigan. The first storms can be isolated, supercell storms. These are the type of storms that can produce tornadoes.

Eventually, from 7pm to 8pm, thunderstorms will develop into a solid line of thunderstorms. This line of showers will move across central and eastern Lower Michigan between 8pm and midnight.

If storms look severe where you are, be prepared to take cover. Give yourself a few minutes to get to a safe area. Don’t wait until the last second to take cover.

Stay up to date with any changes to severe weather forecasts MLive.com/weather.

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