The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch for 17 Michigan counties, including Allegan, Kent, Ottawa, Ionia, Montcalm and Mecosta counties. The watch is in effect until 8 p.m. Saturday.
According to the NWS, tornado watches are issued when conditions make tornadoes more likely. During the watch, those in the affected areas should review safety procedures and make a plan to reach a safe place.
In addition, a flood warning has been issued in Montcalm, Ionia, Allegan, Kent and Ottawa counties until 9:15 p.m. A flood warning means flooding is imminent or currently happening. Those in flood warning areas are encouraged to seek higher ground and take precautions immediately.
A flood watch was also issued in Montcalm, Ionia, Allegan, Kent, Ottawa and Muskegon counties until Sunday at 8 a.m. A flood watch indicates that creeks, roads and yards are likely to flood due to high rainfall over the past few days. Those in a flood watch area should be prepared to take action in the event of a flood.
For more information on the active warnings in West Michigan as well as how to best prepare for severe weather, click here.
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