Lansing, Mich. – A tornado watch is in effect for much of Michigan through 3 a.m. Friday, with severe storms expected to sweep across 36 counties from Muskegon to Jackson, bringing dangerous wind gusts, large hail, and the potential for isolated tornadoes overnight.
According to the National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center, Tornado Watch 256 includes counties such as Kent, Kalamazoo, Grand Traverse, and Ingham. The storms are expected to intensify through late evening, with the highest risk window between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Eastern.
Communities in central and western Michigan—including Grand Rapids, Lansing, Muskegon, and Traverse City—should remain weather-aware. Residents are urged to stay indoors, secure outdoor objects, and have multiple ways to receive emergency alerts. Power outages and downed trees are possible as lines of storms move eastward.
This is the first widespread tornado watch of the season for northern Michigan counties like Cheboygan, Otsego, and Roscommon, where late-night warnings are rare but not unprecedented.
The tornado watch remains active until 3 a.m. Friday, with additional warnings or advisories possible as storms track across the state. Stay tuned to local alerts for updated information.
