Strong Thunderstorms Hit Northern Michigan With Gusts Up to 40 MPH
NORTHERN MICHIGAN – The National Weather Service issued an alert for strong thunderstorms overnight Wednesday into early Thursday, warning residents of wind gusts up to 40 mph and potential damage from falling tree limbs and unsecured objects.
Storms Track Across Multiple Counties
At 12:29 a.m. Thursday, Doppler radar tracked a line of thunderstorms stretching from Central Lake to Cedar, moving east at 35 mph. The storms prompted warnings for Leelanau, Antrim, Grand Traverse, and Kalkaska counties.
Communities impacted included Traverse City, Elk Rapids, Mancelona, Bellaire, Kalkaska, Rapid City, and Williamsburg.
Risks From Winds and Lightning
Forecasters cautioned that gusty winds could knock down branches and blow around loose outdoor items. Lightning posed another serious risk, with officials reminding residents that 25 million lightning strikes occur annually in the U.S., killing about 20 people each year.
The weather service urged residents to seek shelter indoors if thunder was heard and to wait at least 30 minutes after the last strike before resuming outdoor activity.
Travel and Road Safety Concerns
Along with lightning precautions, officials highlighted risks from wet roads during downpours. Safety tips included:
- Increasing following distance from two to four seconds.
- Slowing down gradually instead of braking hard.
- Staying in middle lanes to avoid pooling water.
- Using headlights for visibility and avoiding tailgating trucks or buses.
Authorities stressed the importance of pulling over safely if rain becomes too heavy to see the road.
Residents are encouraged to stay alert for additional updates as more Canadian air pushes into the region next week, potentially bringing cooler weather and more rain chances.
Did the storms impact your area in Northern Michigan? Share your experience in the comments on FatCityFeed.com.
