Summer brings longer days, outdoor activities and time spent with family and friends. But it also marks the peak season for severe weather. Thunderstorms can develop quickly, bringing damaging winds, lightning, heavy rain, and even tornadoes. Staying aware and prepared is key to keeping you and all of Brownstown safe when these storms strike.


Summer Storms and Severe Weather

Summer storms can develop rapidly and become dangerous with little warning. These storms often bring damaging winds, lightning, heavy rain, hail, and occasionally tornadoes.

Start by staying informed. Monitor forecasts regularly and make sure you have multiple ways to receive alerts, especially overnight. A NOAA weather radio, smartphone alerts or local emergency notifications can provide critical warnings when seconds count.

Brownstown Township has partnered with Hyper-Reach, a mass emergency notification system designed to quickly alert residents of hazardous or urgent situations. The system delivers notifications through a combination of phone calls, text messages and email.

To receive weather alerts on mobile phones and email, residents and those who work in Brownstown can sign up by calling or texting “Alert” to (734) 789-3770 or by visiting: http://hyperreach.com/mibrownstownsignup.html.

Residents may also download the free Hyper-Reach Anywhere app on their smartphones for additional access to alerts.

Preparation and awareness are key:

• Monitor weather forecasts daily, especially when planning outdoor events.
• Enable emergency alerts on your phone or use a weather radio for real-time warnings.
• Identify a safe shelter location in advance, such as a basement or an interior room away from windows.


When storms approach:

• At the first sound of thunder, move indoors immediately. Lightning can strike several miles from a storm.
• Avoid open areas, tall objects and water during lightning activity.
• Secure or bring inside outdoor furniture, grills and loose items that could become projectiles in high winds.


Power outages are common during summer storms:

• Keep flashlights, batteries and backup power sources readily available.
• Avoid using candles, when possible, to reduce fire risk.
• Keep refrigerators and freezers closed to preserve food.Stay clear of downed power lines. Treat all power lines as energized until confirmed safe by DTE or the fire department.


Heavy rainfall can quickly lead to flash flooding:

• Never drive through flooded roadways. Just a small amount of moving water can sweep a vehicle away.
• Be cautious in low-lying areas, underpasses and near drainage systems.
• Move to higher ground if flooding is observed or anticipated.


In the event of a tornado warning:

• Seek shelter immediately in a basement or interior room on the lowest level.
• Stay away from windows and protect your head.
• If outdoors with no shelter, lie flat in a low-lying area and cover your head.

Summer is meant to be enjoyed, but it also requires awareness and preparation. By taking a few simple precautions, monitoring the weather and practicing safe habits, you can make the most of the season while keeping safety a top priority