GRAND RAPIDS, Michigan —
WHAT
After snow last Friday, we are now tracking a round of possible severe weather Tuesday afternoon to Tuesday evening. Our main impact is forecast to be strong winds. The area is under a marginal risk (1/5) for severe storms meaning isolated severe storms are possible.
TIMING
There will be a widespread round of showers and thunderstorms overnight Monday into early Tuesday, but that round is not expected to be severe. The timeframe we are watching for severe weather on Tuesday is 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.
IMPACTS
Isolated strong to severe level winds are the main concern with these storms Tuesday afternoon. Wind gusts are forecast to be 30 to 40 miles per hour. There is a low-end, but still existing chance, of a brief spin up tornado with these storms as well.
SAFETY
You should have multiple ways to stay weather aware and receive critical weather information.
There are five direct ways in which you can receive weather alerts.
1. NOAA Weather Radio
The first is NOAA Weather Radio. We often refer to them as the “smoke detector” for severe weather, because they will automatically sound an alarm in the case of a natural disaster or severe weather.
2. Local Broadcast
There is also always your local TV station. The 13 ON YOUR SIDE Weather Department streams on-air and online during an active storm.
3. Radio Station
Local radio stations should alert you if a storm is in your area. You can even set up devices like Alexa and Google Home to alert you with weather notifications.
4. Smartphone
Your smartphones also offer numerous ways to receive critical weather alerts. We have a 13 ON YOUR SIDE Weather App that will allow you to track the storm and receive alerts.
5. Outdoor Sirens
Outdoor sirens are also an option, as they will go off in the threat of immediate danger, but are only meant to be heard outdoors. So, if you are inside this should not be how you receive your severe weather alerts. Outdoor sirens can also be unreliable, difficult for those hard of hearing, and go off for other reasons beyond tornadoes.
SHARE PHOTOS and VIDEOS
If you would like to add to our reports text your photos along with your name and location to 616.559.1310.
►Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now.
Have a news tip? Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Subscribe to our YouTube channel.
Watch 13 ON YOUR SIDE for free on Roku, Amazon Fire TV Stick, Apple TV and on your phone.