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Grand Rapids sets daily record rainfall, more storms possible later

Posted at 6:35 AM, Jul 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-07-24 10:38:03-04

WEST MICHIGAN — A complex of showers and storms that developed Saturday evening in the Plains made its way through the FOX 17 viewing area overnight and into Sunday morning.

The area of showers and storms moved along a warm front, eventually moving to the north of the area later in morning. In the meantime, runoff from heavy rainfall occurred with more rain falling in some areas. The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Advisory for Ottawa, Muskegon, and Oceana counties:

Flood Advy

The rainfall was heavy enough in Grand Rapids for a new daily record total:

Record Rainfall

Here is a look at some other rainfall totals from across the area. The 3.42″ that fell at 1 mile southeast of Lakewood Club is from Muskegon County. That’s the highest total I’ve seen come into the weather center so far:

Rain Totals

As the previously mentioned warm front moves to our north later this morning, the rain will end and we’ll get in on some sunshine. It will be hot and humid — a tempting day to go to the beach. If you do decide to venture off to Lake Michigan, it might be best to stay out of the water due to high waves and the possibility of rip currents. In fact, a small craft advisory and a beach hazards statement have been issued by the National Weather Service from Muskegon northward:

Marine_Fcst

After a break from the morning showers and thunderstorms, more storms could redevelop this afternoon. Our Future Track HD model suggests a strong to severe line of storms developing from Grand Rapids to Holland, pushing southeast through the evening:

Future Track 1

A few of these storms could contain wind gusts of 60 mph, along with small hail.

A cold front will then push through the area overnight, ending the threat of thunderstorms and bringing less humid air into West Michigan for the start of the workweek. It will still be very warm, however, with highs in the upper 80s.

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