Nasty Storms Possible Across Mid-Michigan Late Thursday

Strong to severe storms are expected to wreak havoc in parts of Mid-Michigan late Thursday, as a cold front blows through ushering in significantly cooler temperatures as we approach the weekend.

Which Areas of Michigan Face the Greatest Risk?

NOAA's Storm Prediction Center puts much of Lower Michigan at an enhanced risk for severe weather on June 11. Areas at risk include cities along the shore of Lake Michigan from around Ludington southward, and inland to around Gaylord, Saginaw, Lansing and Coldwater.

READ MORE: Super El Niño Could Impact Michigan Summer

Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Holland, Benton Harbor, and Jackson could all see severe weather Thursday as well.

The area shaded in orange is at an enhanced risk of severe weather on June 11, according to the Storm Prediction Center. (Photo via Storm Prediction Center)

Wind Gusts Could Reach 75 MPH

Strong, damaging wind gusts as high as 75 mph are possible, along with a few tornadoes, according to the SPC.

When Storms Are Expected to Hit

Comparatively speaking, forecasters with the National Weather Service office in Grand Rapids say that "the threat for embedded tornadoes is higher than normal compared to most of our events," particularly Thursday evening between 7 p.m. and midnight along the U.S. 131 corridor in West Michigan. Widespread power outages are also considered likely in association with Thursday night's expected severe weather.

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"The main threats would be damaging winds, very heavy rain, and the potential for a few spin-up tornadoes within that line of storms," says Darrin Rockcole, Chief Meteorologist at WILX News 10 in Lansing. He adds that once the line of storms makes its way through, much more comfortable temperatures can be expected for at least the next week.