Thousands without power in southwest Michigan as storms roll through

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued in southwest Michigan Monday night, prompting power outages in the area.

A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for Calhoun County until 2 a.m. and for Branch County until 1:30 a.m.

A flood advisory has been issued for Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties until 6:30 a.m. and Van Buren County until 4:30 a.m.

According to the Indiana Michigan Power Co. map , around 10,000 customers in southwest Michigan are without power as storms roll through. The following counties have over 100 customers without power as of 12:55 a.m. Tuesday:

• Berrien County: 7,964 customers without power
• Cass County: 2,015 customers without power
• St. Joseph County: 533 customers without power
• Van Buren County: 112 customers without power

Consumers Energy indicates power loss in the following counties as of 12:55 a.m.:

• Calhoun County: 844 customers without power
• Kalamazoo County: 537 customers without power
• Van Buren County: 412 customers without power
• St. Joseph County: 338 customers without power
• Branch County: 310 customers without power
• Barry County: 169 customers without power

The tornado watch is in effect for Allegan, Barry, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Berrien and Cass counties until 2 a.m. The primary concern with the line, which rolled in after sunset, was damaging winds and heavy rain, though a few spin-up tornadoes within the line were possible.

Straight-line winds were expected to reach 70 mph or greater from I-96 to the south. Anywhere within the red region on the map below had a 30% chance of that occurring within 25 miles.

Heavy rain will lead to flooding concerns as the line moves through. Potentially, another inch of rain is possible on top of already saturated soil. The National Weather Service has therefore issued a flood watch for much of southwestern lower Michigan.

After Monday night’s system moves through, we’ll be treated with much more comfortable conditions with refreshing air returning through the day Wednesday, and staying with sunshine through the remainder of the week.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WOODTV.com.