Published: May 21, 2024, 3:37 p.m.

According to the official severe weather forecast, parts of Michigan are still at risk of experiencing severe storms, but it appears that the majority of Lower Michigan will likely escape the worst of the weather. The Storm Prediction Center has maintained its earlier forecast, indicating that a line of severe storms is expected to weaken as it moves across the state.

The latest data suggests that the severe storms will predominantly affect Iowa, Minnesota, and Missouri, where they are expected to be particularly intense. As the storms progress eastward, they are projected to lose some strength upon reaching eastern Wisconsin and eastern Illinois. There is also a possibility that the storms may veer north towards the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, rather than continuing their eastward trajectory across Lower Michigan.

Based on the most reliable weather computer model available, the chances of severe storms impacting the southern two-thirds of Lower Michigan appear to be low. Instead, areas such as Escanaba, Marquette, and the eastern Upper Peninsula are more likely to experience severe thunderstorms compared to Muskegon, Grand Rapids, Lansing, Kalamazoo, Jackson, Ann Arbor, Detroit, Flint, Saginaw, and Bay City.

If there are any severe storms in Lower Michigan, they are expected to be isolated and concentrated in the far northwest region, with sporadic occurrences in the west-central part of the state.

The timing of the storms is becoming more certain, with forecast radar images indicating that they will likely hit Lower Michigan during the middle of the night. However, it is still uncertain whether the storms will fully develop as anticipated.

Michigan residents can breathe a sigh of relief for now, as the severe storms are not expected to impact the state until at least 8 p.m. today. At that time, the Upper Peninsula may start experiencing severe weather conditions.

As the situation continues to be monitored, it is crucial for residents in potentially affected areas to stay updated with the latest weather information and be prepared for any sudden changes in the forecast.

Overall, while parts of Michigan remain under the threat of severe storms, it seems that Lower Michigan may be spared the worst of the weather, with the focus primarily on the Upper Peninsula.