Lansing, Mich. – Damaging wind gusts and the risk of tornadoes will keep much of Lower Michigan on alert through early Friday as a powerful storm system barrels across the region overnight.
According to the National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center, a Tornado Watch is in effect until 3 a.m. EDT Friday for a wide stretch from southwest of Kalamazoo to north of Traverse City. The strongest storms could produce gusts up to 80 mph, scattered tornadoes, and hail up to 2 inches in diameter.
Counties including Kent, Ingham, and Grand Traverse are all within the watch area. Thunderstorms will continue to intensify as they move east-northeast across the state. Embedded supercells may spin up quick-hitting tornadoes, especially in areas along and east of US-131.
Residents are urged to charge devices, secure outdoor items, and have multiple ways to receive warnings overnight. High-profile vehicles should delay travel due to wind risks, and anyone in mobile homes should be ready to move to sturdy shelter.
Storms are expected to push into central and eastern Michigan between midnight and 3 a.m., with lingering wind damage possible into early Friday. Additional alerts or warnings may be issued through the night.
