Weather Watch: Storms, 60 MPH Gusts Possible Through Saturday

March is playing its usual role, marching in like a lion with a little snow Thursday and now a high wind watch and a chance for thunderstorms Friday afternoon into Saturday morning.

The National Weather Service is forecasting we could experience thunderstorms this afternoon and evening, mainly 3-9 p.m., as well as strong southwesterly winds developing ahead of a cold front that will pass through southeastern Michigan this evening.

The strongest winds are expected 9 p.m.-5 a.m., with the intensity slowly subsiding throughout the night. Southwesterly sustained winds of 35-40 mph will be possible, with westerly wind gusts of 55-60 mph possible, the weather service says.

Strong winds can result in the downing of large limbs and trees and downed power lines and power outages are possible. DTE Energy advises customers to to unplug major appliances and sensitive electronic equipment. 

If you lose power

If your power goes out, you can report it to DTE Energy in a variety of ways:

• Report online
• Report from any mobile device at mobile.dteenergy.com. Download DTE's Mobile Outage Reporting iPhone app, which is available on the App Store
• Report by using the automated phone system at 800.477.4747.

Downed power lines

• If you encounter a downed power line, DTE advises staying at least 20 feet away and anything it is in contact with, including puddles and metal fences. 
• Never drive across a downed power line. If a power line falls on your vehicle, remain inside your car until help arrives.

Stay tuned to Patch for updates and let us know if you experience any damage or power outages.