Storms track over Michigan

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — A line of storms marched across the state Wednesday, bringing heavy rain and strong winds in West Michigan and prompting a tornado warning in mid-Michigan .

Severe thunderstorm watches were scheduled for a number of Michigan counties until 7 p.m., though most of West Michigan was expected to be in the clear by 4 p.m. Warnings for Allegan, Kalamazoo Kent, Ottawa and Van Buren counties were expired early.

The main hazard was straight-line wind gusts of up to 60 mph that could cause damage to roofs and trees, the National Weather Service alert warned. Storm Team 8 reported recorded gusts of 46 mph in Holland, 43 mph in Hudsonville and 45 mph at Gerald R. Ford International Airport near Grand Rapids. Hail was also a threat.

Moving at about 20 mph, the storms were headed nearly directly east across the state. They were being strengthened by warm and sunshine ahead of them, Storm Team 8 said. An isolated tornado was not impossible.

There were some power outages in West Michigan. As of about 4 p.m., the Consumers Energy interactive power outage map showed:

• Barry County: 464
• Ionia County: 105
• Mason County: 2,092
• Montcalm County: 142

Michigan State Police reminded drivers to turn on their headlights as the sky darkened and watch for pooling water.

“Slow your speeds and increase distance between vehicles,” police advised .

Don’t drive through standing water: You can’t tell how deep it is and you don’t know whether the road underneath is sound. Emergency officials say, “Turn around, don’t drown.”

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