Published: Jun. 13, 2024, 4:08 p.m.
Updated: Jun. 13, 2024, 5:17 p.m.

Authorities are closely monitoring a developing storm system as it moves across southern Lower Michigan, prompting an extension of the severe thunderstorm watch. The area of concern encompasses southwest and south-central Lower Michigan, while the watch is expected to be extended eastward to include southeast Lower Michigan.

The latest radar updates over the past 20 minutes reveal the intensifying nature of the storm system. As of 5:15 p.m., reports have emerged of downed limbs and wires in Battle Creek/Pennfield Township area, according to the Calhoun County Emergency Manager.

At 5:02 p.m., a severe thunderstorm warning was issued for all of Jackson County, effective until 6:30 p.m. The storms, traveling at a rapid pace of 40 mph, were identified along a line stretching from near Leslie to Brownlee Park. The primary threats from these storms are anticipated to include 60 mph wind gusts and penny-sized hail. Communities impacted by this warning include Jackson, Brooklyn, Grass Lake, Vandercook Lake, Leoni, Spring Arbor, Napoleon, Sandstone, Norvell, Pulaski, Concord, Horton, Springport, Parma, Hanover, Pleasant Lake, Liberty, Clark Lake, Lake Columbia, and Rives Junction.

A new severe thunderstorm warning was also issued for northern Calhoun County, including Battle Creek, at 4:57 p.m. The warning, in effect until 5:45 p.m., warned of a severe thunderstorm located near Brownlee Park, moving eastward at a speed of 50 mph. Similar to the previous warning, the main hazards associated with this storm are 60 mph wind gusts and penny-sized hail.

Furthermore, a separate severe thunderstorm warning was announced for southern Eaton County and southern Ingham County, excluding Lansing, at 4:54 p.m. While no official severe weather had been reported as of then, scattered 60 mph winds were expected to develop. The warning was set to expire at 5:45 p.m.

According to the National Weather Service office in Grand Rapids, a cluster of showers and storms had consolidated into a line as it moved southwards. Wind gusts remained the primary concern, with the possibility of hail development in southern Eaton and southern Ingham Counties.

At present, the only active severe thunderstorm warning is for Eaton County. At 4:38 p.m., a 36 mph gust was reported in Vermontville, but stronger gusts of up to 50 mph were en route to Charlotte and Eaton Rapids.

In the early afternoon, the first severe thunderstorm warning was issued for Northeastern Barry County in southwestern Michigan and Eaton County in south-central Michigan until 4:45 p.m. The warning indicated the presence of severe thunderstorms moving eastward at 45 mph, posing a threat of 60 mph wind gusts. Areas affected by this warning included Charlotte, Hastings, Eaton Rapids, Grand Ledge, Potterville, Nashville, Kalamo, Dimondale, Vermontville, Sunfield, Mulliken, Waverly, Woodland, Gresham, and Woodbury.

As of 4:05 p.m., the storm in Barry County intensified but was not yet categorized as severe. However, it exhibited signs of gaining strength and displayed a notable wind signature on radar.

The line of thunderstorms, projected to gather momentum between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., had developed southeast of Grand Rapids as of 3:54 p.m. This suggests that Grand Rapids may be spared from severe weather conditions. The storm system is expected to reach Lansing by 5 p.m., Jackson between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., and Ann Arbor, Detroit, and Flint by 6 p.m. and 7 p.m.

Residents in the affected areas are advised to stay tuned to weather updates and take necessary precautions to ensure their safety during the passing of this severe weather system.