04-04-2025
Flooding concerns, storm chances erupt as spring break travel begins
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — It's officially spring break across West Michigan, and those traveling south will want to keep an eye on the weather as severe weather concerns continue to grow.
Major flooding is expected across portions of the Midwest and southern United States as rain continues to stall. Flash flood warnings cover portions of Kentucky, Indiana, Ohio and Arkansas as an additional 5 to 8 inches of rain is expected through Saturday.
Sunday's tornadoes most in Michigan on one day since 2001
Keep in mind, parts of this area have already seen 1 to 4 inches of rain over the past several days. Driving through this area for spring break travel will be dangerous, especially off the highways and near rivers.
While West Michigan will get clipped by this system, rain totals will be minimal, around a quarter inch at most. Still, the Grand River at Comstock Park is expected to reach minor flood stage this weekend.
The widespread rain comes with a chance for strong to severe thunderstorms as well. The Storm Prediction Center has placed parts of Arkansas in a level 4 moderate risk for Friday. Tornadoes, damaging wind and hail are all quite likely to develop Friday afternoon and evening.
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Strong to severe storms are expected to continue rolling across the country Saturday and Sunday as the severe threat moves east. The greatest threat for tornadoes develops in Louisiana Saturday afternoon.
Behind the stalled out front, cooler air will begin to slide into the central region of the country Sunday. Highs are expected to be a bit below average.
That all changes by the end of the week, though. Warmer air takes over for the western half of the United States, while cooler air moves into the gulf region.
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If you are staying local in Michigan, cooler air will be sticking around with highs in the 40s and 50s. Luckily, a much drier and quieter pattern will take over for most of the country next week.
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