Tracking the Chance for Strong to Severe Thunderstorms Tonight

LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) — The hot, humid, and sunny conditions we have in the forecast this afternoon and evening will help fuel the potential for strong to severe storms across the area tonight.

The Storm Prediction Center has a Slight Level 2 of 5 Risk for severe weather for most of the area, with an Enhanced or Level 3 Risk for the southwestern portion of Mid-Michigan, which includes parts of Ingham, Eaton, Jackson, and Hillsdale Counties.

Current computer models show showers and thunderstorms developing to our west in southern Wisconsin this evening. Storms will track east and likely intensify as they move over Lake Michigan, moving into our area around midnight, bringing the threat of damaging winds (with gusts up to 60+ mph) and heavy rain. There is also the potential for small hail in any of the storms we see tonight and a low threat for tornadic activity. The main line of showers and thunderstorms will exit around 4 a.m. However, we will still have the chance for a few isolated storms Tuesday afternoon and evening.

Due to the potential for heavy rainfall and the risk of flooding across the area, The National Weather Service has issued a Flood Watch for almost all of Mid-Michigan. The watch will begin at 9 p.m. today and continue until 4 a.m. tomorrow.

After tonight’s chance for severe weather, we will have calmer and more comfortable conditions moving into the area on Wednesday, which will likely continue through the rest of the week.

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