A brutal weather system expected to move through Southeast Michigan over the next two days is expected to bring damaging winds, thunderstorms, and snow to Macomb County and neighboring communities.
That’s the word from weather authorities as the system is tied to a so-called bomb cyclone, which could bring blizzard conditions and icy travel much of the Great Lakes, weather officials said Sunday morning.
A high wind watch remains in effect for the region from late Sunday night through Monday evening, according to the National Weather Service. The watch means west winds of 25-35 mph with gusts up to 60 mph are possible.
“Damaging winds could blow down trees and power lines,” the weather service said in an alert. “Widespread power outages are possible. Travel could be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.”
Although temperatures were on the rise to near 50 degrees Sunday, they were expected to fall rapidly Monday, bringing new problems. Snow and blowing snow are expected, which will reduce visibilities and could make travel hazardous, the weather service said.
The strong winds and blizzard conditions are tied to a bomb cyclone expected to move through Michigan overnight that threatens to interrupt post-holiday travel, according to AccuWeather meteorologists.
“Across the Midwest and Great Lakes between Sunday and Monday, a powerful storm will take shape,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Brandon Buckingham. “The storm will bring risks for heavy snow, ice, severe thunderstorms, powerful wind gusts and heavy rain.”
The brunt of the storm is expected to hit the state’s northern and western sections harder than the Detroit region, according to Accuweather maps.
For the rest of Sunday, scattered thunderstorms are expected this afternoon and evening. There is a potential for strong storms this evening, between 7 p.m. and midnight, capable of producing wind gusts over 50 mph. Otherwise, widespread rain will pose the risk of minor flooding today.
The weather service said rapidly falling temperatures Monday morning may lead to flash freezing of any water on paved surfaces. There is the potential for snow squalls on Monday. Total snow accumulations are expected to be two inches or less.
The forecast for Sunday calls for rain, with thunderstorms possible after 1 p.m. and a high near 50. There is a 100% chance of precipitation, with new rainfall amounts between three quarters and one inch possible.
Rain is expected to continue overnight before turning to snow. Some thunder is also possible. Breezy conditions move in with a south- southwest wind 6-11 mph, increasing to 13-18 mph after midnight. Winds could gust as high as 40 mph.
Snow showers are likely for Monday, with accumulations of around an inch. Temperature will fall to around 26 by 7a.m. Windy, with a west southwest wind 23-25 mph, with gusts as high as 49 mph.
Conditions will turn blustery Monday night, with 14- 21 mph winds gusting to 46 mph, and a low around 20.
Expect mostly cloudy skies and a high of 28 for Tuesday, with snow moving in later in the night.
