If you’re in Western Michigan — Grand Rapids, Kalamazoo, Muskegon, or anywhere nearby — it’s time to keep an eye on the sky. Mother Nature’s planning to put on a bit of a show Friday evening, and it’s one you’ll want to watch from indoors.
A strong weather system is making its way through the Midwest, and we’re right in its path. That means we could see some strong, potentially severe thunderstorms Friday night — think hail, powerful wind gusts, and a whole lot of lightning.
So, What Are We Looking At?
This isn’t just your average spring rain. Forecasters are saying we might get:
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Large hail — possibly golf ball-sized. Not fun for your car or your roof.
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Strong winds — up to 60–70 mph. That’s enough to knock over trees and send lawn chairs flying.
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Heavy downpours, with a quick inch or two of rain in some areas.
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And of course, plenty of lightning — so if you hear thunder, it’s time to head inside.
Tornadoes? Not likely, but not completely off the table. These spring systems can be unpredictable, so better safe than sorry.
When’s It Happening?
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Late afternoon into the evening is when things start firing up.
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Most of the action will hit between 6 PM and 10 PM.
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After that, things should start calming down as the storms head east.
Quick Prep Checklist
Don’t stress — just a few easy things you can do to stay safe:
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Charge your phone so you’re not stuck without updates if the power goes out.
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Bring in the patio stuff (yes, even the grill).
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Make sure your weather alerts are on — your phone can literally save your life.
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Park your car in the garage if you can. Hail is no joke.
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Let your family know what’s up. It’s always good to have a plan.
The Bright Side?
Once the storms pass Friday night, things start looking up. The weekend is shaping up to be much nicer — cooler, drier, and way more chill. So hey, just a little rough weather before we get to enjoy some fresh air and sunshine.
This might not be the storm of the century, but it’s still one to take seriously. Spring storms in Michigan can escalate fast, especially when hail and strong winds are involved. So take a little time Friday afternoon to get ready — and then you can kick back, ride it out, and stay safe.
