Tornado watch issued for northern Michigan (update)

Update

Shortly before 10 p.m., Environment Canada update the severe thunderstorm watch to a warning for areas including Sault Ste. Marie and St. Joseph Island as well as Searchmont, Montreal River Harbour, and Batchawana Bay.

The updated warning says "a line of intense thunderstorms over upper Michigan is moving northeast at 80 km/h and is going to affect the Sault Ste. Marie and Montreal River regions."

Wind gusts of 90 to 110 km/h and nickel-sized hail are possible as part of the storm.

Original story

With the potential for severe thunderstorms this evening and into the overnight hours, the U.S. National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for parts of northern Michigan, including Chippewa County,

The watch is in effect until 1 a.m.

"Damaging wind gusts, large hail, and a tornado or two will will be possible with the strongest storms," the watch said. "The greatest threat for severe weather will be between 9 p.m. and 2 a.m. Dangerous heat is expected to continue into early this evening. Please see the latest heat advisory for additional details."

Meanwhile, Environment Canada has a severe thunderstorm watch in effect for areas including the Canadian Sault as a result of the potential storms in Michigan.

"After a short lull, a more vigorous round of severe thunderstorms is expected to move in from Michigan this evening," the watch reports. "Damaging winds will be the predominant threat, however, a few of the stronger storms may be capable of producing hail up to nickel size. There remains some uncertainty as to the eastward extent of the severe wind threat."

Wind gusts of up to 100 km/h are likely as part of the storm in addition to isolated hail the size of a nickel being a possibility.

Areas part of the severe thunderstorm watch include: 

• Agawa - Lake Superior Park
• Sault Ste. Marie - St. Joseph Island
• Searchmont - Montreal River Harbour - Batchawana Bay