GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Strong thunderstorms are sweeping across western and central Michigan this afternoon, bringing gusty winds and downpours capable of causing localized flooding. The National Weather Service says storms moving northeast at 20 to 30 mph could hit hardest in parts of Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Eaton, Gratiot, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Kent, Montcalm, Clinton, Van Buren, Ogemaw, and Iosco counties through early evening.
According to NWS Doppler radar, a line of storms extended from Belding to east of Hartford just before 4 p.m. Sunday, with another strong cell near Skidway Lake in Ogemaw County. Winds up to 40 mph may knock down tree limbs and send unsecured objects flying, while pea-sized hail could cause minor vegetation damage in northern zones.
Cities in the path include Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek, Portage, West Branch, and Hale. Torrential rainfall could quickly overwhelm storm drains in urban areas, creating ponding on roads. Drivers should avoid flooded streets, and residents are urged to move loose outdoor items indoors.
Storms are expected to weaken after sunset, but more scattered showers and thunder may linger into tonight.
