GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan — After days of sunshine and warmth, storms have returned to the forecast and the latest data has increased the risk for portions of West Michigan.
WHAT
A line of thunderstorms is working across Lake Michigan, arriving at the lakeshore by 11 a.m. and quickly moving from west to east. Storms are expected to strengthen the further east they travel, interacting with a more unstable environment. That leaves those east of US-131 under a level 2/5 threat for severe storms today—the rest of West Michigan under a slightly lower, 1/5, risk for severe storms.
THREATS
The greatest concern remains strong damaging winds at 50 to 60 mph. Large hail is also possible, and a low risk of an isolated tornado. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued, you should seek shelter from that storm until the threat has passed.
TIMING
Storms are currently over Lake Michigan. They will arrive at the shoreline by 11 a.m. Storms will be disorganized and move from west to east, arriving at the US-131 corridor by 1 p.m. and exiting the region by 3 p.m. It is east of US-131 that has the highest risk for strong to severe storms.
SAFETY
You should have multiple ways to stay weather aware and receive critical weather information.
There are five direct ways in which you can receive weather alerts.
1. NOAA Weather Radio
The first is NOAA Weather Radio. We often refer to them as the “smoke detector” for severe weather, because they will automatically sound an alarm in the case of a natural disaster or severe weather.
2. Local Broadcast
There is also always your local TV station. The 13 ON YOUR SIDE Weather Department streams on-air and online during an active storm.
3. Radio Station
Local radio stations should alert you if a storm is in your area. You can even set up devices like Alexa and Google Home to alert you with weather notifications.
4. Smartphone
Your smartphones also offer numerous ways to receive critical weather alerts. We have a 13 ON YOUR SIDE Weather App that will allow you to track the storm and receive alerts.
5. Outdoor Sirens
Outdoor sirens are also an option, as they will go off in the threat of immediate danger, but are only meant to be heard outdoors. So, if you are inside this should not be how you receive your severe weather alerts. Outdoor sirens can also be unreliable, difficult for those hard of hearing, and go off for other reasons beyond tornadoes.
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