### Severe Weather Alert: Lower Michigan Braces for Intense Evening Thunderstorms

This evening, Lower Michigan is gearing up for potentially life-threatening weather, with authorities warning residents to be on high alert. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has raised the severity level of thunderstorms expected to hit the area, especially targeting southwest Lower Michigan in the early evening, followed by a progression across the region throughout the night.

A supercell thunderstorm originating from the Chicago area will first impact southwest Lower Michigan. An hour later, a more cohesive line of severe storms is expected to sweep across the state. The instability is notably high south of I-94, making the southern third of Michigan particularly vulnerable to intense storms.

Starting at 7 p.m., the radar forecasts severe weather conditions extending until 4 a.m. the following morning. All of Lower Michigan and most of the Upper Peninsula face a level two risk (on a scale of five) for severe thunderstorms. The NOAA has identified an orange zone indicating a level three risk, where storms could be significantly more severe.

The tornado risk map presents an unusual pattern, with a high-risk zone curving through southwest and south-central Lower Michigan. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) has flagged the area from Benton Harbor to Jackson, including Kalamazoo and parts of Lansing, as having the potential for strong tornadoes ranked EF2 to EF5. Other areas shaded in brown have a five percent chance of tornadoes.

Damaging wind gusts are expected to follow a similar path of severity, with potential for gusts exceeding 75 mph especially in the black hatched areas over western Michigan. Lastly, large hail is a significant concern; isolated incidents of hail two inches or larger are possible across nearly half of southwest Lower Michigan.

Residents are urged to stay updated with ongoing weather reports and to share information with family and friends to ensure preparedness. The situation remains fluid, with forecasts being fine-tuned as the storm system develops.