National Weather Service: Tornado, flood watches in effect
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado and flood watch for St. Clair and Sanilac counties.
The watch will remain in effect until 10 p.m. Saturday night. A flood watch is also in effect until 4 a.m. Sunday.
There is a slight risk of severe weather today for most of southeast Michigan, with a marginal risk south of a line from about Port Huron to Adrian, a special announcement from the service said. Wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour will be the primary threat.
The possibility of a tornado is strongest from Flint, north across the Saginaw Valley and into the western part of the Thumb.
Showers and thunderstorms will become widespread this afternoon and continue through the evening. Rainfall in excess of one inch per hour is possible, and the storms may pass over areas that have already received heavy rainfall in the last 24 hours.
How to stay safe
A tornado watch is issued when conditions are favorable for tornado development, the National Weather Service says on its website. People located in and around the area should watch the sky and pay attention to local weather broadcasts.
The watch is intended to give people time to prepare and review their safety plans.
In the event of a tornado, seek shelter in the lowest floor of a building and away from windows. In homes or public buildings, people should go to the basement or a small interior room such as a closet or a bathroom. If possible, get under something sturdy such as a heavy table.
The National Weather Service also recommends people protect themselves from flying debris with pillows, heavy coats, blankets or quilts, and to use motorcycle or bicycle helmets to protect their head.
In mobile homes, residents should leave the home and seek shelter in a strong building. If there is no shelter nearby, residents should lay flat in a nearby ditch, low spot or culvert, covering their head with hands for protection.
Check back for updates.
Contact Brian Wells at (810) 357-8668 or bwells@gannett.com.