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<\/div>\n<\/div>\nTornado watch vs. tornado warning, why it matters<\/p>\n
Explaining the critical differences between a tornado watch and a tornado warning.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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Dearborn <\/em>\u2014 The National Weather Service issued multiple tornado warnings across southeast Michigan as severe storms moved through the region Saturday evening.<\/p>\n All warnings have expired as of 7 p.m. Saturday.<\/p>\n Update: <\/strong>EF1 tornado confirmed in Michigan’s Van Buren Township<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n Warnings were issued for Dearborn, Taylor and Dearborn Heights until 6:15 p.m., and Monroe, South Monroe and West Monroe until 6:30 p.m. Warnings were in effect for Warren, Sterling Heights and Troy until 7 p.m., as well as St. Clair Shores, Roseville and Eastpointe.<\/p>\n More: <\/strong>Flood watch issued for southeast Michigan<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n At 5:48 p.m. Saturday, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located over Belleville, about 7 miles southeast of Ypsilanti, and was moving northeast at 45 mph, according to the weather service. Radar indicated rotation within the storm.<\/p>\n The storm was located over Romulus at 5:55 p.m. Saturday, also moving northeast at 45 mph, according to the weather service. Radar also indicated rotation within the storm, prompting urgent warnings for communities in its path. Communities including Taylor, Romulus, Dearborn, Wyandotte and Greenfield Village were expected to be impacted around 6 p.m., with additional areas such as Inkster, Wayne, Melvindale and Westland also in the storm\u2019s path.<\/p>\n A separate tornado warning was issued for Monroe County communities, including Monroe, South Monroe and West Monroe, where similar severe conditions were possible through 6:30 p.m.<\/p>\n The third warning covered parts of Macomb and Oakland counties, including Warren, Sterling Heights and Troy, through 7 p.m. And the fourth covered St. Clair Shores, Roseville and Eastpointe until 7 p.m. The warnings also covered several major roadways, including stretches of Interstate 75 between mile markers 35 and 44, Interstate 275 between mile markers 13 and 21, Interstate 94 between mile markers 188 and 209, Interstate 96 near mile marker 183, and M-39 between mile markers 6 and 10.<\/p>\n Residents in all warned areas were urged to take immediate shelter in a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building and to avoid windows. Officials also advised motorists to avoid travel in the storm\u2019s path and remain alert for rapidly changing conditions.<\/p>\n Forecasters warned the primary hazard is a tornado, with impacts including dangerous flying debris, damage or destruction of mobile homes, and likely damage to roofs, windows, vehicles and trees.<\/p>\n The weather service also issued a special marine warning for the waters of Lake Erie from the Detroit River to North Cape, as well as the Detroit River, until 6:45 p.m., warning of dangerous conditions for boaters.<\/p>\n Special Marine Warning including the Michigan Waters of Lake Erie from Detroit River to North Cape MI and Detroit River until 6:45 PM EDT pic.twitter.com\/3OW8jk4nO0<\/a><\/p>\n \u2014 NWS Detroit (@NWSDetroit) April 4, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<\/div>\n <\/media-oembed><\/p>\n Meteorologists are warning that heavy rain on Saturday could trigger flooding across southeast Michigan, with conditions expected to worsen through the evening hours. Officials are urging residents to remain alert, particularly in low-lying and flood-prone areas.<\/p>\n The National Weather Service in White Lake Township issued a flood watch Saturday afternoon covering Metro Detroit as well as parts of Ann Arbor, the Thumb and central Michigan. The watch remains in effect until midnight, with forecasters cautioning that excessive runoff may lead to rising water levels in rivers, creeks and streams.<\/p>\n\n