COLDWATER, MI (WTVB) – After missing out on the worst of Wednesday evenings storms that knocked out power to over 100,000 Consumers Energy Customers across the state, Branch County and southwest Michigan are under an enhanced risk of severe weather again tonight, as a volatile atmospheric setup threatens to bring a powerful squall line through the area.
Following an early-season heat spike with temperatures soaring near 90 degrees again this afternoon and heat indices climbing over 100 degrees, extreme instability has primed the local atmosphere. Meteorologists warn that a rapid convective system will likely plow eastward into the state after 7:00 p.m., putting all of southern Michigan on high alert for high-impact weather hazards.
The primary threat during the overnight hours will be widespread, damaging straight-line winds, with localized gusts potentially exceeding 75 mph capable of causing multi-day power outages and severe tree damage.
Meteorologist Chris Roller with the National Weather Service says the threat for a few tornados can’t be ruled out
In addition to destructive winds, Roller says that embedded supercells within the bowing squall line could also produce large hail up to two inches in diameter in some locations.
Residents across Branch County and neighboring counties are strongly urged to have emergency safety plans and secure multiple methods for receiving warnings before the storms arrive tonight.
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