WEST MICHIGAN — A TORNADO WATCH has been issued for parts of West Michigan, through 8 p.m. The watch currently includes Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph, and Branch counties. An expansion north of I-94 is possible.
A SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH is in effect until 9 p.m. for the rest of West Michigan from I-96 to the south.
The Storm Prediction Center has lifted the ENHANCED RISK AREA (Level 3 out of 5) for severe weather up to a line that includes the Grand Rapids area for this afternoon and evening. A strong warm front is lifting through the area, boosting temperatures well into the 60s. The rest of central Lower Michigan remains in SLIGHT RISK (Level 2 out of 5) for severe weather development today, with large hail, strong winds and locally heavy rainfall being the main threats, though an isolated tornado isn't impossible.
The image below is valid for 5 P.M. Sunday. This shows a line of strong to severe thunderstorms moving through the region, with the potential of producing severe weather.
Behind this system on Sunday night, colder air will filter in and any lingering precipitation will mix with and changeover to snow showers.
Colder air settles into the region for the early part of the week, with highs Monday struggling to reach 40-degrees; and highs Tuesday only in the low 40s,
Make sure to stay connected to the Fox 17 Weather Center as this intense storm system moves through the area today. Get the complete West Michigan forecast at www.fox17online.com/weather.
