Thunderstorms and Hazardous Marine Conditions Expected in Southwest Michigan

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Heavy Downpours and Dangerous Waves Pose Risks to Boaters

Grand Rapids, MI – The National Weather Service (NWS) in Grand Rapids has issued a Hazardous Weather Outlook for portions of southwest Lower Michigan, highlighting the risks of thunderstorms and hazardous marine conditions. The advisory was released at 2:35 AM EDT on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, and remains in effect through early Wednesday morning.

Weather Conditions Today

Residents and boaters along the Lake Michigan shoreline should prepare for thunderstorms today, which are expected to bring heavy downpours and frequent cloud-to-water lightning. The affected marine areas include:

• Lake Michigan Zones: St. Joseph to South Haven, South Haven to Holland, Holland to Grand Haven, Grand Haven to Whitehall, Whitehall to Pentwater, and Pentwater to Manistee.

Marine Hazards

Winds and waves will be hazardous to small craft from early Tuesday morning through early Wednesday morning. Boaters should exercise extreme caution and consider staying off the water during this period. Specific hazards include:

• Thunderstorms: Heavy downpours and frequent lightning pose significant risks.
• Winds and Waves: Locally higher winds and waves associated with thunderstorms can create dangerous conditions for small craft.

Safety and Preparedness Tips

• Stay Informed: Monitor local weather forecasts and alerts from reliable sources.
• Exercise Caution: Small craft operators should avoid going out on the water during hazardous conditions.
• Report Severe Weather: Spotters are encouraged to report any severe weather incidents to the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids.

Extended Outlook

No hazardous weather is expected from Wednesday through Monday. However, residents and boaters should remain vigilant and stay informed about any potential changes in the forecast.

For more detailed information and real-time updates, visit the National Weather Service website or follow local news channels.