Thunderstorms with 40+ mph winds tracking northeast across western Michigan
Fast-moving thunderstorms with winds over 40 mph tracked across 18 western Michigan communities Sunday afternoon.
BALDWIN, MICHIGAN — Developing thunderstorms with winds exceeding 40 mph were moving northeast across western Michigan at 50 mph Sunday afternoon, prompting the National Weather Service to issue a special weather statement for multiple communities.
Doppler radar tracked the storm system at 12:45 p.m. EDT from around Free Soil to Custer to 10 miles north of Hesperia, according to the National Weather Service Grand Rapids office.
The radar-indicated winds pose risks to tree limbs and unsecured objects throughout the affected area. Officials warned that gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around unsecured objects.
Communities in Storm’s Path
The weather service identified 18 specific locations expected to experience impacts from the fast-moving storm system. Communities in the storm’s path include Baldwin, Scottville, Luther, Fountain, Free Soil, Colfax, Custer, Walkerville, and Woodland Park.
Additional areas facing potential wind damage include Nirvana, Big Star Lake, Wolf Lake, Idlewild, Irons, Walhalla, Bristol, Sauble Lakes, and Bitely.
Safety Precautions
The National Weather Service issued the special weather statement at 12:46 p.m. EDT to alert residents in the affected communities. The rapidly developing nature of the storm system and its northeast trajectory at 50 mph prompted the advisory.
Residents in the impacted areas should secure outdoor objects and avoid parking under trees during the storm’s passage. The combination of wind speeds exceeding 40 mph and the storm’s quick movement creates conditions favorable for scattered damage to property and vegetation.
