WEST MICHIGAN — The Storm Prediction Center has placed West Michigan under a threat for severe thunderstorms this evening. A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH has been issued over most of West Michigan until 9 p.m. Thursday. This means that severe thunderstorms are possible. Stay alert with FOX 17 News.
Where's the severe storm threat?
Most of our FOX 17 viewing area is in a LEVEL 2 out of 5 or SLIGHT RISK (yellow) for strong to severe storms today. A MARGINAL RISK (LEVEL 1 out of 5) exists across Oceana, Newaygo, and Mecosta Counties in green. See map below.
When's the severe storm threat?
The greatest potential for strong to severe thunderstorms will be Thursday afternoon and evening.
A passing cold front will trigger these thunderstorms, traveling from the northwest to the southeast. Storms are likely to be south of I-96 by 5 p.m. Thursday.
The line of strong to potentially severe thunderstorms will be closer to I-94 by 6 p.m. Thursday.
What are the main severe weather concerns?
Our main concern will be damaging winds and larger hail, but an isolated tornado can't be ruled out.
The risk of severe weather may vary as some discrepancies remain surrounding whether a cap can be broken and if Lake Michigan can provide a stabilizing effect for some locations. Models do suggest the most widespread severe activity remains across our southern counties this afternoon and early evening.
For a thunderstorm to be considered severe, winds need to gust at least 58 mph and/or hail at least one inch in diameter would need to show up. For more information about what makes a thunderstorm severe, click here. Take a look at what our severe weather threats will be on Thursday. All threats are in play...including damaging winds, large hail, and an isolated tornado.
The greatest threat for damaging wind gusts will be along and south of I-96.
The highest potential for large hail will remain closer to I-94, near Van Buren and Kalamazoo counties.
All of West Michigan has the same threat for an isolated tornado or spin up. While the threat is low, it is also not zero.
Stay alert with the FOX 17 Weather Team for updates. For the latest details on the weather in West Michigan, head to the FOX 17 Weather page.
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