West Michigan Tornado Risk Tuesday Night

Southwest Michigan is still recovering from last Friday’s deadly tornado outbreak, and tonight (Tuesday) another round of potentially strong storms is moving into the region.

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Communities south of I-96, especially near and south of I-94, face the highest risk for severe weather after dark.

NWS Forecast: Timing and Threats

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids reports that severe weather is possible between 7 p.m. Tuesday and 3 a.m. Wednesday. Storms are forecast to move quickly northeast at 50–60 mph, which may give little lead time for warnings.

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The main threats tonight include large hail, damaging winds, and tornadoes, along with locally heavy rain that could cause flooding and freezing rain farther north along U.S. 10.

Communities like Three Rivers, Union City, and other areas south of I-94 that were hit by last Friday’s deadly tornadoes are once again at the highest risk tonight.

Three Rivers - Bill Pugliano, Getty Images

Residents near and south of I-96 should also remain alert, as a low but real tornado threat exists there due to favorable low-level spin in the atmosphere.

Local Meteorologists Sound the Alarm

Multiple local meteorologists are warning of strong to severe storms in West Michigan Tuesday night into Wednesday morning.

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Ellen Bacca of WOOD TV8 urges residents to review tornado safety plans now, especially for households with small children or older adults. She advises, “Take some time today to figure out your action plan. Make sure you have multiple ways to receive alerts. Don’t rely on outdoor sirens.”

Kevin Craig of FOX 17 notes that Branch, Cass, St. Joseph, and Berrien counties are under an enhanced Level 3 risk for severe storms. The setup tonight is similar to last week’s outbreak, with a warm front lifting into the area and creating conditions for possible tornadoes.

Meteorologist Brad Sugden adds that storms will move into Michigan around sunset and could bring very large hail and damaging winds, in addition to isolated tornadoes. He advises anyone in homes damaged by last week’s storms to find sturdier shelter tonight.

How Residents Can Prepare

With storms expected after dark and moving quickly, residents should take steps to stay safe. Charge phones and devices, bring in outdoor items and fragile objects, review family tornado safety plans, and keep multiple alert sources ready, such as phone alerts, weather radios, or streaming updates.

The National Weather Service also reminds everyone to head to the safest available shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued.

Weather Through the Rest of the Week

According to Fox 17, storms and rain wrap up Wednesday morning, with colder air moving in that could change rain to snow in spots. However, no accumulation is expected. Highs will be in the mid-40s Wednesday, then stay near 40 Thursday.

Another system may bring rain and snow Thursday night into Friday, with highs in the low 40s. Saturday starts partly sunny with highs around 40, and Sunday looks unsettled with rain and snow showers likely and highs in the low 40s.

How Tornadoes are Measured: Understanding the F Scale

Since February 1, 2007, America has used the Enhanced Fujita Scale to determine the strength of a tornado with a scale from EF0 to EF5. With some help from the Old Farmer's Almanac, here's a look at what each of the classifications means and the damage they cause.

Gallery Credit: Scott Clow