Community Corner

Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Oakland County

Severe storms expected to roll through the area later Saturday evening.

The National Weather Service has issued a severe thunderstorm watch for Oakland County until midnight.

According to the alert, scattered to numerous thunderstorms are expected later this evening through tonight.

"The best chance for severe weather will be between 7 p.m. and 3 a.m.," The alert states. "The strongest storms will be capable of producing wind gusts to 60 mph and hail to one inch in diameter. An isolated tornado is also possible. Any thunderstorm that develops during this time will produce torrential rainfall."

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The following are tips from the American Red Cross on staying safe during severe storms and tornadoes:

  • The safest place to be is an underground shelter, basement or safe room.
  • If no underground shelter or safe room is available, a small, windowless interior room or hallway on the lowest level of a sturdy building is the safest alternative. Mobile homes are not safe during tornadoes or other severe winds. Do not seek shelter in a hallway or bathroom of a mobile home.
  • If you have access to a sturdy shelter or a vehicle, abandon your mobile home immediately.
  • Go to the nearest sturdy building or shelter immediately, using your seat belt if driving.
  • Do not wait until you see the tornado.
  • If you are caught outdoors, seek shelter in a basement, shelter or sturdy building. If you cannot quickly walk to a shelter: Immediately get into a vehicle, buckle your seat belt and try to drive to the closest sturdy shelter. If flying debris occurs while you are driving, pull over and park. Now you have the following options as a last resort: Stay in the car with the seat belt on. Put your head down below the windows, covering with your hands and a blanket if possible. If you can safely get noticeably lower than the level of the roadway, exit your car and lie in that area, covering your head with your hands. Your choice should be driven by your specific circumstances.

Find out what's happening in White Lake-Highlandwith free, real-time updates from Patch.


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