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Moderate severe weather threat Wednesday

Posted at 8:51 AM, Jun 21, 2016
and last updated 2016-06-21 12:05:13-04

WEST MICHIGAN- The words “moderate severe weather threat” aren’t exactly attention grabbing to some, but this severe weather threat for Wednesday is the highest we’ve seen all season long.

The National Weather Service Storm Prediction Center has 5 categories for severe weather.  Moderate just so happens to be the 2nd to highest.  So as I mentioned, this doesn’t sound too bad, but it actually needs to be taken pretty seriously.

RPM Midwest to DMA Fly (2)

A warm front will lift to the northeast during the day tomorrow, causing thunderstorms to fire up out ahed of it.  This is a snapshot of simulated radar imagery at 9 PM.  I expect strong and severe thunderstorms to develop throughout West Michigan at this time.  The closer to the Michigan-Indian line you are, the higher severe threat there is.  However, that doesn’t mean other areas won’t receive severe weather.  In fact, there are several threats that can be expected on a larger scale Wednesday.

Severe Criteria

In fact, expect the main threats from this storm to be strong winds over 65 miles per hour and large hail.  Tornadoes are very possible as well, even though they’re not the main threat.  As the day goes along, we’ll have a more detailed idea on what to expect as far as the timing and impacts of this storm.  Stay aware of the changing conditions and we’ll keep you posted in the meantime.