DETROIT – A significant severe weather threat is headed to Metro Detroit on Tuesday, with damaging winds, large hail and the possibility of an isolated tornado expected Tuesday afternoon and evening as a cold front moves through the region.

Tuesday’s storm threat: What to expect

The Storm Prediction Center has placed the region under a Slight Risk — Level 2 out of 5 on the severe weather scale — for Tuesday. Damaging winds above 60 mph and large hail will be the primary threats, but this round carries an additional concern: the possibility of an isolated tornado.

Breezy conditions and above-average temperatures will also be a factor Tuesday, with highs climbing into the lower 70s — well above what is typical for this time of year.

Why a tornado is possible Tuesday — and when

The setup for Tuesday’s tornado threat comes down to one key ingredient: low-level wind shear.

As the cold front approaches, differences in wind speed and direction at the lower levels of the atmosphere are expected to increase — creating the potential for rotation inside some storms.

While widespread tornado activity is not expected, the isolated threat is real enough that residents should be weather-aware and have a plan in place — especially for Tuesday afternoon and evening.

—> Tornado watch vs. tornado warning: What the alerts mean and why they matter

Tuesday night into Wednesday: Storm threat lingers

Showers and thunderstorm chances will continue into Tuesday night before slowly tapering off. Low temperatures will drop sharply to around 42 — a significant cooldown from Tuesday’s high of 73.

The cold front’s passage will also bring a noticeable wind shift, with breezy conditions continuing into Wednesday.

Rain shower chances will last through Wednesday, with high temperatures cooling into the upper 40s.

Click here for the latest forecast from our 4Warn Weather team.

Download the free 4Warn Weather App:

Tornado Safety Tips:

At Home:

• Go to the basement, under the stairs or under a heavy piece of furniture like a table or workbench.

• Get under heavy furniture, and cover your head with blankets or pillows. The biggest threat of death or injury comes from head injuries caused by flying or falling debris.

• Keep windows closed and stay away from them.

At School:

• Go to the lowest floor or basement.

• Get to interior rooms or hallways and protect your head.

• Stay out of gymnasiums and auditoriums.

• In Public Buildings

• Go to a designated shelter, an interior hallway or small room on the lowest floor.

• Stay away from windows.

• Do not go to your car.

Out in the Open Country or Fields:

• Move away from a tornado at right angles.

• If a tornado is near, DO NOT try to outrun it.

• Get out of your car, lie flat in a ditch or depression.

• Stay away from large trees or metal poles. Cover your head.

Mobile Homes:

• Leave your mobile home immediately.

• If there is no designated community shelter, take cover in a ditch or depression.

• Persons in mobile homes should have a plan of action before threatening weather occurs.