Heavy Rain, Thunder Hit Detroit Area During Monday Morning Commute
The National Weather Service warned of heavy rain, thunder, and standing water on roads during Monday’s early morning commute in the Detroit area.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN — Widespread showers brought locally heavy rainfall and at least one rumble of thunder to the Detroit area early Monday morning, with the National Weather Service warning of hazardous driving conditions during the morning commute.
The NWS Detroit/Pontiac office issued a Special Weather Statement at 4:32 a.m. EDT on June 22, alerting drivers to reduced visibility and standing water on roads, particularly in the hours before daylight.
Road Hazards Expected During Commute Hours
The weather service warned that locally heavy rain was causing reduced driving visibility across the region, with conditions most dangerous before sunrise. Ponding of water on area roads was listed as likely, raising the risk of hydroplaning and slower travel times for early commuters.
Drivers heading out before dawn were urged to slow down and allow extra stopping distance on wet pavement. The heaviest impacts were expected through the early morning hours as the storm system pushed through the region.
Dense Fog Preceded Sunday’s Rainfall
The wet weather pattern was preceded by foggy conditions that began Sunday morning. The NWS Detroit/Pontiac office issued a Special Weather Statement at 5:03 a.m. EDT on June 21, reporting patchy dense fog across the area with visibility dropping to around a quarter mile at times leading up to sunrise.
The agency advised drivers to prepare for fluctuating visibility, noting the fog was expected to dissipate shortly after sunrise on Sunday.
Separately, the NWS Marquette office issued its own Special Weather Statement at 9:28 a.m. EDT on June 21, targeting dense fog near Cedar River in eastern Menominee County. Visibility along M-35 dropped below a half mile at times in that area, according to the statement.
Upper Peninsula Also Affected
The NWS Marquette alert urged drivers along the M-35 corridor near Cedar River to exercise caution and be prepared for rapid changes in visibility. That fog was forecast to dissipate by late Sunday morning.
The back-to-back weather statements across both the Lower and Upper Peninsula reflect a broader pattern of unsettled weather across Michigan over the weekend and into Monday morning, according to the National Weather Service.
