Sunday night and Monday bring two similar rounds of possible severe storms in West Michigan

KALAMAZOO, Mich. — In West Michigan the weather will be active for the next 48 hours.

The muggy weather on Sunday and Monday is expected to lead to two rounds of severe storms, with the second round likely to be the stronger of the two.

Thunderstorms began to form over southern Wisconsin and parts of Iowa early Sunday evening. A severe weather watch was issued for parts of eastern Iowa, southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois until 1 a.m. Monday.

Round 1 comes after dark on Sunday

The storms in the west will converge into a large thunderstorm cluster or line during the evening. This complex will then move east/southeast late into Sunday night and will likely reach West Michigan around 10 p.m.

When the storms reach our side of Lake Michigan, they could have just enough power to produce isolated, damaging wind gusts. This is most likely south and southwest of Kalamazoo, highlighted by the yellow area below.

The strongest storms are expected to pass by 2 a.m. Monday morning, but some rain may linger into the early hours of Monday morning.

Round 2 brings bigger threats

If the storms clear by daybreak on Monday, we will be left with extremely humid temperatures in the high 90s Monday afternoon. This will serve as breeding ground for a second wave of thunderstorms later in the day.

The exact timing of another storm complex is still being determined, but at this point the window from 5:00 p.m. Monday to 2:00 a.m. Tuesday appears to be particularly favorable for severe storms in West Michigan.

Similar to late Sunday, thunderstorms will develop in our western neighboring countries, which will probably not arrive until later.

Monday’s strongest storms have a higher potential for damaging wind gusts, especially along and south of I-94. Storms may also bring hail and even an isolated tornado, but those dangers are very minor in comparison.

The forecast for Monday evening/night’s severe storms looks a little more impressive. Possible gusts in excess of 70 miles per hour have been forecast for the southern part of our region by NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center.

The numerous storm surges will also bring heavy rainfall at times. This could lead to further flooding in some areas, especially those still recovering from the heavy rains earlier this week.

A flood warning has been issued for parts of Berrien, Cass and southern St. Joseph County from 11 p.m. Sunday to 2 a.m. Tuesday. Low spots with poor drainage are particularly evident near streams, rivers and bodies of water.

With most storms occurring tonight and after dark Monday, it’s important to stay alert to the weather and have multiple ways to receive warnings from the National Weather Service.

The News Channel 3 Weather Alert Network app notifies you when an alert is in effect for your location.

Although there may still be some rain and storms during the first half of Tuesday, the threat of severe weather appears to have passed. Much calmer and less humid conditions are expected from Tuesday afternoon through the end of the week.

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