WEST MICHIGAN — A TORNADO WATCH HAS BEEN ISSUED FOR ALL THE AREAS IN YELLOW ON THE MAP. The Tornado Watch lasts until 3 A.M. We're expecting to have most of the storms exit the area by midnight. Have a way to receive alerts all night.
After weeks of hopes and wishes of rain during our abnormally dry stretch in West Michigan, they are all coming true ... and in surplus. Your rain gear will be needed in West Michigan each day this week, as there is a chance for showers and thunderstorms through Saturday.
Some of the thunderstorms this afternoon could be on the strong to marginally severe side. The Storm Prediction Center has placed the parts of West Michigan under a MARGINAL and SLIGHT RISK for severe storms.
The main threats include a weak tornado, damaging wind gusts, hail, and heavy downpours. Showers and thunderstorms could produce heavy downpours in addition to frequent lightning. There is potential for some severe threats, like a weak spin up, heavy downpours which will create the potential for flooding, strong wind gusts and hail.
Most of the rain and thunderstorms are expected to move out around midnight, but a few showers could linger into Thursday morning.
The estimated amount of rain on Wednesday will range between 1.0" to 2.0" of accumulation. A few locations could receive isolated higher amounts, especially for locations that line up under a downpour.
Due to the potential for significant rain, a FLOOD WATCH has been issued for parts of the viewing area until late tonight. The alert goes until 2 A.M. Road ponding, low lying areas and fields could experience flooding. If you encounter a flooded road, remember to turn around, don't drown!
More showers and thunderstorms will be likely in West Michigan this week. With any severe weather potential, it is best to remain weather aware. You can receive immediate severe weather alerts by downloading the FOX 17 Weather App. You can also click HERE for the latest weather alerts in West Michigan.
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