WWUS20 KWNS 181657 SEL1 SPC WW 181657 MIZ000-LEZ000-LHZ000-LMZ000-190000- URGENT - IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 221 NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK 100 PM EDT Mon May 18 2026 The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of Lower Michigan Lake Erie Lake Huron Lake Michigan * Effective this Monday afternoon and evening from 100 PM until 800 PM EDT. * Primary threats include... Scattered damaging winds likely with isolated significant gusts to 80 mph possible Isolated large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible A tornado or two possible SUMMARY...A band of thunderstorms over southern Lake Michigan will track northeastward across the watch, while other storms form over northern Lower Michigan. All of these storms will pose a risk of damaging wind gusts and hail through the afternoon. The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 80 statute miles east and west of a line from 45 miles south of Jackson MI to 40 miles northwest of Alpena MI. For a complete depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update (WOUS64 KWNS WOU1). PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... REMEMBER...A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area. Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce tornadoes. && OTHER WATCH INFORMATION...CONTINUE...WW 220... AVIATION...A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to 1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 70 knots. A few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector 25035. ...Hart