Michigan Could See Tornadoes, Severe Storms This Weekend

Michigan’s weather has been all over the place this year—from massive ice storms in the north to wildfire smoke from Canada and California, not to mention that devastating tornado outbreak earlier this spring. Now, we’re bracing for another potentially dangerous weekend.

Severe Storms Expected in Michigan on Saturday

This Saturday, severe weather could sweep across southern Lower Michigan, and it may bring more than just rain. Meteorologist Mark Torregrossa is warning residents to stay alert for tornadoes, severe thunderstorms, damaging wind gusts, and even large hail.

READ MORE: Historic F-5 Tornado Killed 116 People in Michigan

The biggest concern? Severe thunderstorms capable of producing strong straight-line winds, which can cause damage on par with smaller tornadoes. These winds are expected to arrive ahead of the storm front, and the storms themselves could include torrential downpours, hail, and dangerous lightning.

Tornado Risk Across Lower Peninsula

Torregrossa specifically called out a risk area stretching from southeast of Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo, Lansing, Alma, Ann Arbor, and Jackson, saying that a tornado or two is possible along that corridor.

Hail Could Be Large and Damaging

Another threat meteorologists are closely watching is hail. While small hail is fairly common in strong storms, supercell thunderstorms—which are more organized and powerful—can produce large, damaging hailstones.

READ MORE: Multiple Tornados Confirmed in Michigan

Torregrossa urges residents to have a plan in place for Saturday. As he put it:

“You may need to move to safe shelter sometime Saturday afternoon.”

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Make sure your weather alerts are turned on, keep an eye on the radar, and don’t ignore warnings—it could be a wild ride across the mitten this weekend.