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Tornado Watches In Effect

Posted at 9:36 AM, Apr 18, 2013
and last updated 2013-04-18 10:24:06-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Much of southern Lower Michigan has been placed under a Tornado Watch during the day Thursday.  Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph, and Branch counties have a watch until 5:00 P.M.  Much of the remainder of West Michigan is under a watch until 6:00 P.M.

As of 9:00 A.M., a line of storms was strengthening as it moved out of the Chicago area out over Lake Michigan.  This line of storms will move through parts of West Michigan through late morning.

The greatest threat from these storms will be damaging straight-line winds with gusts around 60 mph.  Additional heavy rain will add to localized flooding problems as well.

Further to the south, much of Indiana has an enhanced risk of tornadoes.  For this reason, the Storm Prediction Center has made this a special type of watch known as a PDS Tornado Watch (PDS = Particularly Dangerous Situation).

Another round of severe storms is possible later Thursday as a cold front approaches the region.  You can stay up to date with interactive radar and more on the Weather page.

Please report any severe weather and post photos on the FOX 17 Facebook page, or email weather@fox17online.com.