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Flooding, lightning and damaging winds expected tonight in metro Detroit

Posted at 3:27 PM, Jul 12, 2017
and last updated 2017-07-13 05:14:55-04

There are three main points of concern with the storms moving through metro Detroit. Chief Meteorologist Dave Rexroth is tracking the system and breaks down the threats. 

HEAVY RAIN AND FLOODING:

Tremendous moisture in the atmosphere means any time it rains it will rain extremely hard (warm front and extra low-level moisture) - even more than yesterday. The ground is close to saturated so rain runs off increasing flooding chances. Another 1 to 2” inches is expected in some areas. Slow movement of the storm could also increase flooding in spots.

LIGHTNING:

The height of the storms and the heavy rain makes lightning more likely than normal because it helps separate the electrical charges that the lightning wants to reconnect. Any sudden increase in lightning should be a sign to you that the storm is strengthening and you should take cover.

DAMAGING WINDS:

Heavy rain drags the air in the storm down with it and causes strong gusty winds that could cause damage and knock out electricity. Storm lines crossing and interacting with each other overnight will also increase the chance for strong winds. High level winds are increasing tonight and help create a upward draft that makes the storms stronger than normal. 

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