GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Strong to severe thunderstorms are expected for parts of West Michigan this evening.
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A severe thunderstorm watch has been issued for Ottawa, Kent and Ionia counties south until 10 p.m. Thursday. Damaging winds are the primary concern with any storms that develop.
Most of West Michigan has been placed in a level 2 out of 5 severe risk by the Storm Prediction Center through Thursday night.
A cold front will slowly advance into a very hot and humid environment, making it easy for storms to erupt quickly. Upper-level wind support is quite weak. As a result, storms will move slowly and severe storms will have a short lifespan.
The cold front will take its time moving through the state, and may even produce rain early Friday morning south of I-96.
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TIME FRAME FOR SEVERE STORMS
The most likely time frame for severe weather to happen would be between 6 p.m. Thursday and midnight, before storms transition to nonsevere.
Another system is expected to move into West Michigan Saturday, with a good chance of heavy rain for the entire area. Severe chances for that day are low at this time. Stay with Storm Team 8 for updates…