Grand Rapids, MI – A wide swath of western Michigan is under a severe thunderstorm watch until 9 p.m. Sunday as fast-moving storm cells bring the threat of damaging winds and hail to the region.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, Severe Thunderstorm Watch 73 was issued at 4:15 p.m. EDT and includes 15 counties, such as Kent, Kalamazoo, Jackson, and Ottawa. The alert also extends to adjacent Lake Michigan coastal waters from St. Joseph to Whitehall, with strong storm activity expected to impact both inland communities and boaters offshore.
Forecasters say residents should remain alert for rapidly changing conditions. Wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail up to one inch in diameter are possible. The storms could down trees and power lines, affecting travel and causing localized outages.
The storm threat comes during a volatile early spring pattern in Michigan, where severe weather is less common but not unprecedented in late March. Officials recommend securing outdoor items and staying indoors during warnings.
Those in the watch area should monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts for updates. Boaters are urged to return to shore or seek safe harbor well before conditions deteriorate.
