The National Weather Service issued a tornado watch covering many western and southwestern Michigan counties until 4:25 a.m., and officials warned residents to remain alert, per the NWS and News Channel 3 reports.
News Channel 3 posted repeated updates as storms tracked across the region, reporting tornado warnings for counties including Branch, Barry, Allegan, Montcalm, Ionia, Kent, Muskegon, Newaygo and Ottawa, and severe thunderstorm warnings for Kalamazoo, Calhoun, Cass and others.
CBS News Detroit also reported a broad tornado watch in effect through 4 a.m. that included Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, Kent, St. Joseph, Genesee, Washtenaw, Ingham, Kalamazoo, Ottawa and many surrounding counties, expanding the area of concern toward the eastern Lower Peninsula.
Local station 13 ON YOUR SIDE said multiple tornado warnings were issued and had expired by about 1:30 a.m., and that the outlet received public reports of possible tornadoes near Carson City and near Allegan and Otsego, while stressing that the National Weather Service must conduct storm surveys to confirm any touchdowns.
Preparedness Advice And Post Storm Procedures
Authorities and local meteorologists urged residents to understand the difference between a tornado watch and a tornado warning, with 13 ON YOUR SIDE noting a watch means conditions are favorable while a warning means a tornado has been sighted or indicated on radar.
The same station advised seeking shelter immediately in basements, storm cellars or interior rooms away from windows, and said in high‑occupancy buildings managers should identify safe areas built to FEMA or ICC500 criteria where possible.
Officials warned that mobile homes are particularly vulnerable and recommended moving to a nearby sturdy building or underground shelter when available, and 13 ON YOUR SIDE offered guidance on emergency kits, family plans and multiple ways to receive alerts such as NOAA Weather Radio and local station apps.
CBS News Detroit reported a flood watch for all of Southeast Michigan because of excessive rainfall, in effect from 8 p.m. through late Thursday night, and 13 ON YOUR SIDE described how the National Weather Service conducts post‑storm surveys and assigns an EF rating based on observed damage and estimated gusts.
