Oakland County, Michigan — Weather Alerts & Warnings

1 active National Weather Service alert for Oakland County right now. This page updates continuously and shows every watch, warning, and advisory issued by NWS Detroit/Pontiac for Oakland County and the surrounding Southeast Lower Peninsula (Metro Detroit).

Active alerts (1)

Frost Advisory
Severity: Minor · Urgency: Expected · Issued May 6, 1:22 PM EDT · Expires May 7, 8:00 AM EDT
Frost Advisory issued May 6 at 1:22PM EDT until May 7 at 8:00AM EDT by NWS Detroit/Pontiac MI

About Oakland County

County seat
Pontiac
Population (2020)
1,274,395
Region
Southeast Lower Peninsula (Metro Detroit)
NWS Office

Southeast Michigan — the Metro Detroit region — combines the highest population density in the state with significant severe-weather exposure. Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Washtenaw, Livingston, and surrounding counties face frequent severe thunderstorms, occasional tornadoes (most notably in Washtenaw and Lenawee), winter storms that can paralyze freeways, and growing concern about urban flash flooding as drainage infrastructure ages. Lakeshore flooding affects Wayne, Macomb, Monroe, and St. Clair counties along Lakes Erie, St. Clair, and Huron.

Oakland County is served by NWS Detroit/Pontiac, headquartered in White Lake, MI, which issues all official severe-weather watches, warnings, and advisories for the county under the SAME geographic code MIC125. Alerts shown above come directly from the National Weather Service public-alerts feed and update within seconds of issuance.

Common weather hazards in Oakland County

Based on Oakland County's southeast lower peninsula (metro detroit) geography, residents and visitors should be prepared for these recurring weather threats:

severe thunderstormstornadoeswinter stormsfloodinghigh winds

When a Tornado Warning is issued

A Tornado Warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by radar in Oakland County or an adjacent area — take shelter immediately. Move to the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows, and into an interior room (basement, bathroom, or closet). Mobile homes and vehicles are not safe; if you're in either, leave for a sturdy structure if you can do so safely. Tornado Warnings are typically issued for 30–60 minutes; stay sheltered until the warning expires or NWS Detroit/Pontiac confirms the threat has passed. Oakland County residents should monitor a NOAA Weather Radio (programmed for SAME code MIC125), local TV, or this page.

When a Flood Warning is issued

A Flood Warning means flooding is occurring or imminent in Oakland County. Do not drive through flooded roads — most flood-related deaths in Michigan occur in vehicles attempting to cross water. If you live in a low-lying area near Pontiac or along major waterways in the county, monitor official water-level reports from the U.S. Geological Survey and prepare to move to higher ground. Flash Flood Warnings carry the same urgency on a shorter time horizon — typically less than an hour to act.

When a Winter Storm Warning is issued

Winter Storm Warnings in Oakland County indicate hazardous winter weather (heavy snow, freezing rain, sleet, or blizzard conditions) is occurring or imminent. Avoid travel; if you must drive, carry an emergency kit (blankets, food, water, flashlight, charged phone). Heating-source safety is critical: never run generators or grills indoors, and check carbon-monoxide detectors before relying on alternative heat sources.

Nearby Michigan counties

Weather rarely respects county lines — check active alerts in Oakland County's neighbors:

Genesee CountyJackson CountyLapeer CountyLenawee CountyLivingston CountyMacomb CountyMonroe CountySt. Clair County

Get notified about Oakland County alerts

Subscribe to push or email notifications for new National Weather Service watches and warnings issued for Oakland County. We'll alert you within seconds of NWS Detroit/Pontiac issuing any severe weather warning for SAME code MIC125.