Well Michigan, it seems that we're not to be spared the wrath of tornado season. The National Weather Service lists a tornado watch in effect for 34 counties in Michigan. There is also a flood, severe weather and hail watch for the evening of May 29 into Memorial Day.
May 30-31 is also the anniversary of the 1998 Derecho that turned much of Spring Lake, Mich. into a disaster zone. The Derecho wind, a straight line with near tornado speed winds, destroyed countless homes and vehicles. Not one person was killed by the wind. One power worker lost his life in the repair.
Flint, Mich., was originally the site of the worst tornado in recent history. In 1953, 116 people were killed in the Flint Beecher tornado. The May 22 Joplin, Mo., tornado caused 142 deaths, according to Voice of America, topping Flint Beecher. The Christian Science Monitor reports April saw a super outbreak in Dixie Alley, one of the prime targets for tornadoes.
The following counties have tornado watches issued until 8 p.m.: Allegan, Branch, Clinton, Calhoun, Gratiot, Ionia, Kent, Livingston, Montcalm, Ottawa, Shiawassee, Tuscola, Barry, Eaton, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lapeer, Macomb, Muskegon, Saginaw, St. Clair, Van Buren, Berrien, Cass, Genesee, Ingham, Kalamazoo, Lenawee, Monroe, Oakland, Sanilac, St. Joseph and Washtenaw.
These counties are primarily in the lower peninsula in southern Michigan. Remember, a tornado watch means conditions are right for tornadoes. A tornado warning means a funnel cloud has been spotted.
There is also a warm front lifting in southern Michigan, bringing with it heavy rain and thunderstorm. This will cause flooding in some areas. These areas could see as much as an inch of rain. Counties include Ottawa, Kent, Ionia, Clinton, Allegan, Barry, Eaton, Ingham, Van Buren, Kalamazoo, Calhoun and Jackson.
Cities primarily affected by the heavy thunderstorms and rain include: Jenison, Grand Rapids, Ionia, Hastings, St. Johns, Holland, Charlotte, Lansing, South Haven, Kalamazoo and Battle Creek.
A flood watch remains in effect until 2 a.m. tomorrow for counties in mid-Michigan and southwest Michigan. In the southwest, the counties of Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, Kalamazoo, Kent and Van Buren should be alert. Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, Ionia and Jackson are affected in the central part of the state.
Now for the really fun part. With all the thunderstorms, particularly along I-96, be on the lookout for hail an inch or larger. Hail is always a threat in a Michigan spring.
Ping-ponging weather temperatures increase the likelihood of hail falling from the upper regions of the atmosphere where it is formed. Following the pre-Memorial Day storms, a cold front is expected. Temperature fluctuations also account for tornado weather. This variable weather is prime growing season for hail and tornadoes.
Hail can do some serious damage to crops, livestock, landscape and structures. It can also cause injury. Don't go out in a hailstorm. Wait until the storm is over to collect any specimens. Hailstorms are generally brief. Here is a video of some Michigan hailstorms.
Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben is an avid weather watcher and storm chaser. Living along Lake Michigan gives her plenty of opportunity to do both.
