Lansing, Mich. –Severe storms are threatening parts of southern and central Michigan this evening, with damaging winds and hail possible through 9 p.m. Thursday under a newly issued Severe Thunderstorm Watch.
According to the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center, 17 counties — including Kalamazoo, Kent, Jackson, and Berrien — are under Watch #540 as a strong system pushes eastward across the Great Lakes. The storms could bring 60+ mph wind gusts, large hail, and isolated power outages, especially in low-lying rural areas and along I-94 and US-131.
Cities under the watch include Grand Rapids, Battle Creek, Lansing, and Benton Harbor. Utility companies and emergency managers are urging residents to secure loose items, stay indoors, and be prepared for sudden outages. Travel on highways such as I-69 and I-96 could be impacted by torrential rain and brief visibility loss.
This is the first major thunderstorm watch of late July in this region, following a stretch of dry, hot weather.
More warnings may be issued into the evening. Residents are urged to monitor NOAA Weather Radio or local alerts. The severe threat is expected to taper off by late tonight, though storm cleanup may continue into Friday.
