GET READY FOR WEATHER WHIPLASH THIS WEEKEND, MICHIGAN. Heavy rain and wind gusts upwards of 40 mph are expected on March 15 and 16, 2025. Such conditions could be dangerous to travel in, with possible power outages and localized flooding.
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Detailed Weather Forecast:
Detroit:
- SATURDAY, MARCH 15: Expect thunderstorms, highs around 74 vertical degrees (23 postulated degrees Celsius), and lows around 52 (11). Strong winds could accompany localized damage, power outages, and treacherous travel conditions.
- Sunday, March 16: A few morning showers, cloudy, breezy with cooler-than-normal temperatures. Expect highs around 56° F (13° C) and lows dipping to 29° F (-2° C).
Grand Rapids:
- Saturday, March 15: Very warm and windy with more clouds than sun; highs around 72°F (22°C), lows near 37°F (3°C). Gusty winds could cause spotty damage and power outages.
- Sunday, March 16: Some morning rain is possible; otherwise, it’ll be cloudy, breezy and cooler. Highs will hover around 41°F (5°C) and lows will be about 26°F (-4°C).
Lansing:
- Saturday, March 15: Very warm and windy, with intervals of clouds and sunshine. The highs will be in the 75s Fahrenheit (mid-20s Celsius), and the lows in the low 40s Fahrenheit (mid-single digits Celsius). Localized damage and power outages are possible due to strong winds.
- Sunday, March 16: Rain will occur in the morning at times, but otherwise, there will be low clouds, breezy weather, and cooler temperatures. Highs will be nearly 45°F (7°C), while lows will fall to around 25°F (-4°C).
Ann Arbor:
- Saturday, March 15: Partly cloudy skies with increasing winds and an approaching warm front, with a possible thunderstorm. Highs will be near 76 degrees, 24 degrees Celsius, with lows around 47 degrees, 8 degrees Celsius. Strong winds could cause isolated damage and hazardous travel conditions.
- Sunday, March 16: A morning passing shower is possible; otherwise, it is cooler, with considerable cloudiness and breezy this afternoon. Highs should be in the neighborhood of 50 degrees F (10 degrees C), lows close to 25 degrees F (-4 degrees C).
Flint:
- Saturday, March 15: Morning thunderstorms are possible; otherwise warm with variable clouds. Highs will be about 74 degrees, with lows about 44. Localized damage and power outages were possible due to strong winds.
- Sunday, March 16: Cloudy, turning windier and cooler. Highs will be around 50°F (10°C), and lows will plummet to 24°F (-4°C).
Potential Hazards:
The heavy rains and winds bring several potential dangers:
- Flooding: Intense rain can cause flash flooding — particularly in low-lying areas or where drainage is insufficient. Flash floods are sudden and can be deadly for small infrastructures, like bridges and poorly designed structures.
- Wind Damage: Gusts approaching 40 m.p.h. can snap trees, bring down power lines, and cause damage to building structures. Damaging and severe winds are usually common features of severe thunderstorms generated from the differences in air pressures encountered, for example, with the passage of a cold front through the area.
- Downed Power Lines: Trees or branches could break power lines, causing outages that might persist for days. Power loss in the area could cause traffic signals to become disabled, and drivers should use extra caution and treat all intersections as four-way stops during an outage.
Safety Precautions:
Here are some safety precautions you can take to reduce your risk for these types of weather:-
- Secure Outdoor Items: Ensure that patio furniture, trash bins, and decorations are either secured or moved indoors to avoid blowing away. Secure any temporary structures in your yard or business, such as tents for your backyard furniture, patio equipment, or commercial covers.
- Stay Updated: Monitor local weather reports and follow any advisories or warnings issued by officials. Check forecasts and weather conditions to determine whether thunderstorms are possible.
- Be Prepared for Power Outages: If the power goes out, keep flashlights, batteries, and other emergency supplies available. Assess your emergency supplies to ensure you have a battery-operated radio, flashlight, and fresh batteries.
- Driving: If you need to drive, use extreme caution. Take both hands off the wheel and slow down to a safe driving speed if you can. The Alliance urges caution around other cars, as strong gusts can push them into neighboring lanes.
- Where to Take Shelter During High Winds: The safest place to be during high winds is inside. If your area has a wind advisory or a high wind warning, postpone outdoor activities. If you find yourself outdoors in high winds, shelter in place beside a building or under a cover. Stay out of roadways or train tracks because a gust can blow you into the path of a vehicle or train.
- Disaster Preparedness Kit: Keep a well-stocked kit and first aid supplies at home and in your car.
