Grand Rapids, Michigan – Drivers across western Michigan could encounter damaging winds, large hail and rapidly changing road conditions beginning around 7 p.m. Tuesday as thunderstorms develop along a cold front, with the threat continuing through 1 a.m.
According to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids, a few storms may become strong to severe Tuesday evening into tonight. Damaging winds are the greatest concern, followed by large hail. The agency’s graphic places the probability of damaging winds and large hail in the 20% to 40% range for the highlighted threat, while the tornado probability remains below 20%.
The severe weather outlook covers much of Lower Michigan, including Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Battle Creek and areas toward Ann Arbor and Detroit. The Grand Rapids area sits within a Level 2 of 5 slight risk zone, where short-lived or isolated severe storms are possible.
Evening travel on I-96, I-196 and U.S. 131 could be affected if stronger storms cross the region. Wind gusts may bring down tree limbs or cause scattered power interruptions, while hail could create additional hazards for motorists.
Residents should secure loose outdoor objects, charge phones and keep weather alerts enabled before 7 p.m. Anyone traveling Tuesday night should be prepared to seek shelter if a warning is issued.
The primary severe weather window remains 7 p.m. Tuesday through 1 a.m. Wednesday, and additional watches or warnings could be issued as storms develop
