Kalamazoo, Michigan – Strong thunderstorms could sweep across western and southern Michigan Friday evening, bringing the risk of 60 mph wind gusts and hail up to one inch as a Severe Thunderstorm Watch covers much of the region until 11 p.m.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, 11 Michigan counties are included in Severe Thunderstorm Watch 17. The watch includes Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Hillsdale, Jackson, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties, where storms may rapidly intensify through the evening hours.
Communities along the I-94 corridor from Benton Harbor through Kalamazoo and into Jackson face the highest chance for damaging wind bursts. Cities including Battle Creek, St. Joseph, South Haven, Coldwater and Hastings could also see intense lightning, heavy rain and brief power outages if stronger storm cells develop.
Heavy downpours may quickly reduce visibility to under one mile on I-94, U.S. 131 and M-43, especially during the evening drive. Local emergency managers urge residents to secure outdoor furniture, move vehicles under cover and remain indoors during lightning.
Storms may develop quickly with little warning, and additional severe thunderstorm warnings could be issued if individual cells strengthen. The severe thunderstorm watch remains active across western and southern Michigan until 11 p.m. Friday, with further updates expected as storms track east across the state.
