Severe Storms Threaten Metro Detroit on Monday and Tuesday

Damaging winds, hail, and tornado risk as warm weather fuels thunderstorms

Apr. 13, 2026 at 1:27pm

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A vast, atmospheric landscape painting depicting an ominous, stormy sky filled with dramatic clouds and rays of light, dwarfing a small town or city in the distance, conveying the overwhelming power of an impending severe weather event.As a powerful storm system approaches, the ominous clouds and dramatic lighting in the sky foreshadow the severe weather threat facing Metro Detroit.Today in Detroit

Southeast Michigan is bracing for a heightened risk of severe weather over the next two days, with scattered thunderstorms expected on Monday and a more organized round of storms bringing the potential for damaging winds, large hail, and even tornadoes on Tuesday. The CBS News Detroit weather team has declared Tuesday a NEXT Weather Alert day due to the severe weather threat.

Why it matters

Severe thunderstorms can cause significant property damage, power outages, and pose a threat to public safety. This early-season severe weather outbreak comes after an active 2025 tornado season in Michigan, raising concerns about the potential impacts on the region.

The details

On Monday, a marginal (level 1/5) risk of severe weather has been issued for Metro Detroit, with the primary threats being isolated damaging wind gusts and hail. While the tornado risk is low, it has not been completely ruled out. By Tuesday, a stronger storm system and better wind dynamics will move into the region, bringing a slight (level 2/5) risk for severe weather. This setup supports the potential for damaging winds, large hail, and a few tornadoes, especially as storms intensify later in the day and evening.

  • Monday, April 13, 2026: Scattered thunderstorms with a marginal risk of severe weather
  • Tuesday, April 14, 2026: Organized round of storms with a slight risk of severe weather, including the potential for damaging winds, large hail, and tornadoes

The players

National Weather Service

The federal agency responsible for issuing weather forecasts and warnings, including the severe weather risk assessments for Metro Detroit.

CBS News Detroit

The local CBS News affiliate that has declared Tuesday a NEXT Weather Alert day due to the severe weather threat and will be providing live coverage and updates.

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What’s next

Residents in Metro Detroit should monitor the weather forecasts closely and be prepared to take shelter if severe weather warnings are issued. The CBS News Detroit weather team will be providing continuous updates and coverage as the storms develop.

The takeaway

This early-season severe weather outbreak serves as a reminder for residents in Metro Detroit to stay vigilant and prepared for potentially dangerous storms, especially given the region's history of active tornado seasons in recent years.