Thunderstorm warning confirmed is moving through Michigan and Ohio
A severe thunderstorm warning is confirmed for Ohio and Michigan tonight, according to the National Weather Service, with flooding possible in affected areas.
A severe thunderstorm warning is confirmed for Ohio and Michigan for tonight by The National Weather Service. In Ohio, Crawford, Cuyahoga, Erie, Geauga, Ottawa, Portage, and Sandusky Counties are going to be affected until 8:30 p.m. In Michigan; Ashland, Crawford, Erie, Huron, Lorain, Ottawa, Richland, and Sandusky are under warning until 10 p.m.
Storms could bring flooding to some parts of the affected counties. According to the Great Lakes Water Authority, low-lying areas or those counties that have flooding records must evacuate near lake areas for this forecast. In certain locations, rainfall could bring 1.5 to 2 inches. At the moment, the alert is still in effect for those counties.
An historic year for tornadoes in Michigan
Experts said that 2025 is a historic year for tornadoes in the Great Lake State. Over the past three decades, 13 tornadoes have been registered annually in Michigan. This year, by May, the state had already seen 25, very close to reach the record of 39 in 1974.
According to the NWS, a tornado touched down this afternoon in Fraser. Berrien, Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties in southwest Michigan, and also Indiana, were under tornado watch from 8:00 p.m.
What is the difference between a tornado watch and a warning?
A tornado watch alert and a tornado warning are different. The first one is issued when there are high-probability conditions for severe weather. This includes severe thunderstorms, a tornado, or winter phenomena like a blizzard. Watches often cover large areas because it is not certain of the movement or specific location of a storm system.
A warning is issued when the severe phenomenon is happening at the moment. Typically, it is reported by the Doppler radar from the NWS or by specialized weather watchers. When there is a warning, there is also a shelter alert for residents in the affected area. Authorities recommend a room inside a strong structure, and, if possible, an underground room, like a basement.
