WEST MICHIGAN — Conditions continue to line up for the potential of severe storms in southwest Michigan this evening.
The Storm Prediction Center has updated their convective outlook, placing most of West Michigan under the SLIGHT RISK for severe weather. That's a level 2 out of 5 on the severe threat scale.
Our forecast models are showing a few more thunderstorms developing near I-94 through this evening. The main threat will be damaging wind gusts and hail. A few tornadoes can't be ruled out, however the threat is lower. Heavy downpours and frequent lightning will accompany many of these storm cells. Isolated areas may see over 1.5" of rain. See images below for tornado, wind, and hail threat percentages.
In order for a storm to be considered severe, it must have wind speeds at least 58 mph and/or hail at least 1" in diameter. The National Weather Service is in charge of issuing Severe Thunderstorm Warnings.
A good way to remember the difference between a Severe Thunderstorm Watch and a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is through cupcakes.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means that we have all of the ingredients in the atmosphere possible for a severe storm to develop. With the correct combination of ingredients, we could get a Severe Thunderstorm Warning.
In describing this with cupcakes, if we add the incorrect amount of sugar or flour to the batter, we might not get the perfect cupcake. This is similar to weather. If we don't get the right moisture or instability in the atmosphere, we might not get a severe storm.
The best way to stay alert during active weather days is by downloading the free FOX 17 Weather App, following us on social media, and watching FOX 17 News. As soon as a Severe Thunderstorm Warning is issued in West Michigan, we will notify you immediately.
Additional thunderstorms will be possible late Friday and into early Saturday morning, where strong thunderstorms could develop. Stay tuned with us on air and online!
