Thunderstorms and Heavy Rainfall Expected in Northern Michigan 8/15

Photo byNational Weather Service

Potential for Heavy Rainfall and Thunderstorms to Linger Through the Weekend

Gaylord, MI – August 15, 2024 – Residents of Eastern Upper Michigan and Northern Lower Michigan should prepare for potential thunderstorms and locally heavy rainfall today, as well as in the coming days, according to a Hazardous Weather Outlook issued by the National Weather Service (NWS) in Gaylord.

The NWS reports a possibility of non-severe thunderstorms throughout the day on Thursday and continuing into the night. The most significant concern arrives on Friday, with a potential for locally heavy rainfall. Thunderstorms could continue to persist through Saturday, raising concerns for isolated flooding in some areas.

Risk of Heavy Rainfall Expected Friday

The NWS is advising that Friday's thunderstorms may bring substantial rainfall, which could lead to localized flooding in vulnerable areas. Although the storms are not expected to reach severe levels, residents should still be mindful of sudden changes in weather conditions and monitor local updates as the storms develop.

"Locally heavy rainfall is possible Friday," the report states, emphasizing that communities should prepare for the possibility of significant precipitation over a short period. While no spotter activation is currently expected, the situation will be monitored closely.

Persistent Storm Activity into the Weekend

The outlook also notes that thunderstorms could persist through Saturday, with storm activity expected to taper off by Sunday. Residents across the affected areas, including Emmet, Cheboygan, Alpena, and Grand Traverse counties, should stay informed about weather developments and take necessary precautions against potential hazards, such as flash flooding.

Stay Prepared and Stay Informed

Although the NWS has indicated that these storms are not expected to be severe, local authorities encourage residents to remain alert and prepared. Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially with summer storms, and keeping informed could be crucial for those in flood-prone areas.

For real-time updates, residents can visit the National Weather Service Gaylord website at weather.gov/gaylord.