Sharp Cold Front Set To Trigger Storms In The Great Lakes

A cold front will trigger scattered to numerous strong to severe thunderstorms erupting along a line this afternoon and evening. Gusty winds are the primary concern, although large hail or an isolated brief tornado could also occur.

The front will advance southeastward across the western Great Lakes which will interact with moderate to high instability to generate a broken to nearly solid line of storms. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch is in effect for southeastern Michigan, including Detroit and Flint, Mich.

Further southwest, weaker shear and lower storm coverage will limit the severe potential along the cold front, though a handful of strong to severe storms could pop up across central Illinois, Missouri, Oklahoma, and southeastern Kansas later this afternoon.

The front will weaken some as it heads into the eastern U.S. on Wednesday, though isolated severe storms could still erupt across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic in the afternoon and evening.

Make sure you know the difference between a watch and warning should they be issued. A watch means that the ingredients for severe weather are present, and you should have a plan in place for acting. A warning means that severe weather is imminent, and you need to act fast to protect life and well-being. Make sure to remember the phrase, "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!"