GRAND RAPIDS, Mich — A large portion of West Michigan is now under a level 2 (slight) risk out of 5 for strong to severe storms this afternoon.
WHAT
A cold front will have thunderstorms develop along it this afternoon. Currently, the cold front sits over Wisconsin but will cross Lake Michigan throughout the late morning to early afternoon hours. These storms will move quickly to the SE and likely have more ingredients available to strengthen the closer they get to US-127.
TIMING
Storms will arrive around noon in NW portions of West Michigan and push SE until 5 to 6 p.m. Outside of that timeframe, things will be relatively quiet with partly cloudy skies this morning and mostly sunny in the evening.
THREATS
The highest concern with these storms will be the potential for damaging strong winds and hail. There is a low threat of tornadoes. It's important to note that these storms are more likely the closer you get to SE portions of Michigan, but that does not mean a few strong to severe storms aren't possible in West Michigan.
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.
While all of those methods are great, none of them are foolproof. So we suggest having two ways to receive alerts at all times.
REPORT
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