A Southeast Michigan tornado watch has been extended into early Friday as powerful storms capable of producing tornadoes, large hail, and flooding push across the region, the National Weather Service announced Thursday night.

Where and When

The watch covers eight counties and remains in effect until 2 a.m. Friday. The affected areas include Lapeer, Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties.

The extension came as severe thunderstorms capable of bringing damaging winds, large hail, and possible tornadoes tracked through parts of southeastern Michigan.

Communities on Alert

Residents across a wide stretch of communities have been urged to stay weather-aware through the overnight hours. Those areas include Adrian, Ann Arbor, Canton, Dearborn, Ferndale, Imlay City, Lapeer, Livonia, Monroe, Novi, Pontiac, Port Huron, Redford, Royal Oak, Southfield, St. Clair Shores, Sterling Heights, Taylor, Troy, Warren, Waterford, and Westland.

What a Tornado Watch Means

It is worth understanding the distinction. A tornado watch means atmospheric conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes and severe thunderstorms. It does not mean a tornado has actually been spotted.

The watch was issued as part of a broader severe weather threat stretching across much of lower Michigan, with storms capable of unleashing damaging wind gusts and isolated tornadoes.

How to Stay Safe

Forecasters are urging residents to take the threat seriously and prepare in advance. Their recommendations include:

• Monitoring weather alerts closely throughout the night
• Having multiple ways to receive warnings
• Being ready to seek shelter quickly if a tornado warning is issued

Emergency officials also advise identifying a safe shelter location ahead of time, ideally a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, well away from windows.

Looking Ahead

The National Weather Service said it would continue tracking storm development and issue additional warnings as needed through the overnight hours. For now, residents across southeast Michigan are encouraged to stay alert, keep their devices on, and be ready to act the moment conditions worsen.