Detroit, Michigan

Severe Thunderstorm Watch 189 remains in effect until 800 PM EDT
for the following locations


Mi
. Michigan counties included are

Alcona Allegan Alpena
Antrim Arenac Barry
Bay Benzie Calhoun
Charlevoix Cheboygan Clare
Clinton Crawford Eaton
Emmet Genesee Gladwin
Grand Traverse Gratiot Huron
Ingham Ionia Iosco
Isabella Jackson Kalamazoo
Kalkaska Kent Lake
Lapeer Leelanau Livingston
Macomb Manistee Mason
Mecosta Midland Missaukee
Montcalm Montmorency Muskegon
Newaygo Oakland Oceana
Ogemaw Osceola Oscoda
Otsego Ottawa Presque Isle
Roscommon Saginaw St. Clair
Sanilac Shiawassee Tuscola
Van Buren Washtenaw Wayne
Wexford

A Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued by the National Weather
Service in Michigan.In the interest of public safety the following
safety rules are provided. Public and commercial broadcast stations
serving the affected area are asked to frequently broadcast these
messages while the watch is in effect.

A quick reminder... the term watch means conditions are favorable for
development of severe weather in the designated area. During a
watch... there is no cause for immediate concern. You should go
about your normal business but keep abreast of weather
developments. Public safety officials should... however... activate
prearranged plans.

A warning... on the other hand... means a severe thunderstorm or
tornado has been observed or indicated by radar. People in the path
of the storm should take immediate precautions as outlined here...

Severe thunderstorms produce strong damaging winds of 58 mph or
greater... large hail three quarters of an inch in diameter or
greater... heavy rain and deadly lightning. Winds in excess of 58
mph can push over shallow rooted trees... break off tree limbs about
the size of your wrist... and damage chimneys and TV antennas. In
rare occasions severe thunderstorms can produce winds in excess of
80 mph which could break windows... Peel surfaces off of roofs...
snap large trees and move trailer homes and automobiles. Hail three
quarters of an inch in diameter or larger can damage windows...
vehicles... and exterior finishes of buildings... especially if
accompanied by severe winds.

Persons should stay indoors and away from areas with loose items
that could become flying debris. Severe thunderstorms can and
occasionally do produce tornadoes so be prepared to move to an
appropriate shelter should it become necessary. Lightning is one
of the worst killers... so stay indoors and avoid using electrical
appliances. You should get out of open fields and off of farm or
other types of heavy equipment. Avoid towers or tall trees. If
on a boat or swimming... get out of the water and to shore as
quickly as possible. Also avoid areas subject to flash flooding.

If you lose power... and plan to use a portable power generator
in your home be careful. Observe all safety precautions to avoid
Carbon monoxide poisoning... electrocution... or a fire. Portable
generators should only be operated outdoors in a dry and well
ventilated area.