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Northern lights illuminate skies across West Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The northern lights shone bright across West Michigan Wednesday night. ReportIt: Send us your photos Below is just a small collection of the hundreds of photos sent in from viewers around West Michigan. Sightings started around 7:30 p.m., mainly via cellphone cameras. Through the evening, the lights have become gradually brighter, with some hues of green and pink being seen in Mecosta county. The aurora is expected to brighten at times into late evening, with viewing possible through at least midnight. The lights often arrive in waves, meaning some moments will appear brighter or more vibrant than others. Using a cellphone camera is typically the best way to see the lights, until they become visible enough to see with the naked eye. Rural areas with low amounts of light pollution are always the best places to view and the first to see the lights on the horizon. The sightings mark the second night the aurora has been active, though clouds prevented a view across much of West Michigan Tuesday night.
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Tropics quiet in final weeks of hurricane season | Tracking the Tropics
TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) -- The tropics are quiet with just over two weeks remaining in the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season. No tropical cyclone activity is expected in the next seven days, according to the National Hurricane Center. Hurricane season officially ends November 30.
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Storm Team 8 winter outlook: 2025-2026
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Winter outlooks can provide a helpful upper hand when entering into snow season. This year, Storm Team 8 has identified several key forecast drivers and a big wildcard that will impact our winter ahead. WHAT ARE THE MAIN DRIVERS THIS WINTER? A weak La Niña to start the winter Teleconnection signals in the Gulf of Alaska Siberian snowpack and polar vortex activity A weak La Niña is in place as we enter our winter season. It is worth noting that La Niña conditions are only expected to persist into the early part of this winter. This official forecast indicates a good chance that La Niña will fade by January, with neutral conditions favored from January through March. Past La Niña years have delivered a wide range of snow totals for West Michigan. In fact, the last five La Niña winters have seen snow totals between 59 inches and 110 inches. Without solid guidance of snow totals linked to weak La Niñas, other variables must be considered. Sign up for the Storm Team 8 daily forecast newsletter WEAK LA NINAS LINKED TO COLD DECEMBERS Storm Team 8 has higher certainty on what will happen in December. Decembers with weak La Niñas in the past have typically delivered much colder and snowier conditions. Ten of the 11 weak La Niña Decembers on record for Grand Rapids ended up much colder than average, including our second and third coldest Decembers on record. In addition to cold, snow is more likely to be robust this December. A weak La Niña was in place for two of our record snowiest Decembers. In total, seven of the 11 years came in snowier than average. Even the Decembers that did not see record snowfall saw a lot of snow. Several years clocked more than half the season snowfall falling in the month of December. Storm Team 8 Forecast LAKE-EFFECT ACTIVITY La Niña isn't the only link to winter in West Michigan. Siberian snowpack is stacking up slightly above average for this time of year. That can tend to favor a wobbly polar vortex, increasing the chances of more deep-cold hits early in the winter. Early indications suggest a good chance for active lake-effect this year. Over the last three years, the lake-effect snow has accounted for the majority of season snowfall. Similar past winters to our expected upcoming season suggest a more even mix between lake-effect snow and system snow. JANUARY-FEBRUARY WILDCARD Neutral conditions are favored (55% chance) to return January through February, opening the door for a multitude of secondary steering variables to take control of West Michigan's winter. These secondary factors will likely jockey for position over the months of January, February and March. Factors like the Madden-Julian Oscillation, the North Atlantic Oscillation, the Pacific Decadal Oscillation and pools of warm and cool water off the Gulf of Alaska and the East Coast will be key during this time frame. These teleconnections and links to our jet stream only last for days to weeks at a time, meaning there will likely be no clear, consistent trends through the second half of winter. ENSO neutral conditions are linked to helping winter end on time; however, there is a lower chance of snowflakes lingering into April or May. TAKEAWAYS No two winters are ever the same, especially in West Michigan. Winter outlooks can help shed light on trends by examining past years and established scientific linkages. Winter outlooks are based on more than a dozen variables worldwide. Changes in just one variable can have an impact on our winter here in West Michigan. Download the free Storm Team 8 weather app This upcoming winter is expected to start cold and snowy, with active lake-effect conditions in December and a good chance of heavy snow systems in January and February. This winter is expected to wrap up on time with near-average snow for the season and above-average snow in the month of December. Keep in mind that Grand Rapids typically averages 78 inches each winter season. Storm Team 8 will always strive to be the most balanced and accurate source for snow and safety information in the winter ahead. Stay with us this season to stay ahead of each storm.
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Lake-effect snow to produce several inches Monday
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Heavy to moderate lake-effect snow is poised to impact parts of the lakeshore in an early-season round of winter weather through early Tuesday morning. Inside woodtv.com: Radar WINTER STORM WARNING A winter storm warning remains in effect for Berrien County until 1 a.m. Tuesday and Oceana county until 4 a.m. Tuesday. A winter weather advisory is in effect for Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan and Van Buren County until 4 a.m. Tuesday and for Cass County until 1 a.m. Tuesday. SNOW TOTALS SO FAR Snow totals have been quite variable across West Michigan thus far. Most of the heavier snow bands have targeted off the south in northwest Indiana. Radar estimates indicate southern Berrien county seeing between 8 and 12 inches so far. SNOW BUILDS BACK IN After a break in the snow late Monday morning, lake-effect bands will reorient back toward West Michigan this afternoon. Several waves of moderate to heavy snow are likely west of US-131 first developing around Hart and Muskegon. They will likely hug the lakeshore into the early evening before the final push inland as the lake effect winds down by daybreak Tuesday. The highest totals are expected along the lakeshore, especially in Oceana and Berrien counties were 5 to 7 inches or more are possible. The Monday evening commute is expected to be a slippery one, especially along portions of I-94 and I-196. Sign up for the Storm Team 8 daily forecast newsletter Areas east of US-131 should expect a light dusting at most. Download the free Storm Team 8 weather app Any snow will have some trouble sticking around. Temperatures rise to above freezing by Tuesday afternoon with 40s returning by the end of the week. This system is the only notable snow chance over the next 7 to 10 days. Warmer air will keep any precipitation solely as rain. You can submit your snow photos at WOODTV.com/ReportIt.
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Right on time: First snow expected in West Michigan
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — As temperatures cool down, some snowflakes may be falling across West Michigan early next week. SNOWY SATURDAY INTO SUNDAY Though Saturday will pose a dry start to the day, the season's first snow is expected to begin overnight. With temperatures above freezing initially, the system will begin as rain. As temperatures drop below freezing, rain will transition over to snow. The system snow will not bring widespread impacts as most of the area will see an inch or less of snow. Locally higher totals will be possible in portions of Kalamazoo, Calhoun and Barry counties. Even so, those communities will likely not exceed 2 inches. SUNDAY AND MONDAY LAKE-EFFECT As a breezy wind kicks in from the west Sunday afternoon, lake-effect snow begins. This may linger as late as Tuesday morning. Due to the northerly wind, any additional snow is expected to target northwest Indiana. However, Oceana, Muskegon and Berrien counties may see a few more inches in the most robust bands. One thing is for certain: The snow will not stick around long. Temperatures will rebound to the 40s by Wednesday, favoring a quick melt. WHEN DOES OUR FIRST SNOW TYPICALLY HAPPEN? Typically, West Michigan see its first snowflakes in late October, the first measurable snow in early November and the first inch of snow in mid to late November. Last year, Grand Rapids held off on seeing measurable snow until Nov. 21. Stay with Storm Team 8 this weekend as the system continues to develop.
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Soybean market shifts create challenges for producers
ODESSA TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — As the federal government shutdown and trade uncertainty continue, farmers are facing a challenging situation, especially when it comes to soybeans. China is one of the biggest importers of soybeans from the United States, giving the country leverage over working out a trade agreement on the multibillion-dollar market. In 2024, China purchased just over $12 billion of soybeans from the United States. Through the first 10 months of 2025, that number dropped to zero. Recent trade discussions have restarted the flow of soybeans to China and there are encouraging signs, but uncertainty clouds the process as the federal government shutdown drags on. Harvest in West Michigan delivers mixed results following challenging growing season A potential bailout for farmers affected by the conflict remains up in the air. David Ortega, a food economist and professor at Michigan State University, said that while a bailout would be of some benefit, it’s not a long-term solution. “What farmers really need isn’t necessarily a bailout or a check from the government, but it’s really access to export markets. Access and a trade policy which is stable and that is reliable and predictable. This aid package to farmers just masks the problem. It doesn’t really get to the root of it," he said. Strong soybean yields have depressed prices while labor costs are climbing, making a trade deal with China critical. In the meantime, soybeans are piling up, and that’s a problem in some parts of the country. Musgrove Grain near Lake Odessa offers 2.5 million bushels of space to farmers in Ionia, Barry, and Eaton counties. Rachel Haskin, a merchandiser with Musgrove Grain, said a growing share of that space is being taken by soybeans as farmers wait for the dust to settle on trade agreements. “I would say the interest in soybeans is a signal of what the market’s telling farmers: Their beans today are worth more in the future — spring, summer of 2026. And so there is a signal to farmers today that if you store your beans, you can sell them for more in the future," Haskin said. Bountiful apple harvest underway despite a lack of rain While a storage crunch is happening in the Plains, that isn’t as large of a concern in West Michigan, local storage facilities told News 8. That's partially because of the recent drought, which limited yields locally and the overall dryness of the product, making it easier to store. Haskin added that the details of the bailout, when finalized, will have an impact on farmers' decisions, saying, “At some point, cash becomes tight and marketing decisions are made as much on what the market says as what the bank is demanding or needs," she said. "And so depending on the size of that farm payment from D.C., that will make a difference on how long they can sit on these soybeans.”
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Kalamazoo man worries for family in Jamaica after Hurricane Melissa
KALAMAZOO, Mich. (WOOD) — Jay McIntosh lives in Kalamazoo, but his heart and his mind are focused 1,733 miles south. “There's aunts and uncles I haven't spoke to in a week, since last Monday. It's definitely tough,” he told News 8. Hurricane death toll rises to 43 in Haiti as aid pours in across the northern Caribbean McIntosh’s family lives in Jamaica, in communities like Trelawny and Westmoreland on the west side of the island, towns battered by Hurricane Melissa ferocious winds and unrelenting rain. "Right now in Jamaica, it's hard to get to certain parts,” McIntosh said he was told. “The roads are flooded, still up to people’s thighs. You can't pass through in traffic. When you think of Negril, it's not the most access to food right now. The supermarkets are running out of food." Hurricane Melissa caused almost three dozen deaths, up to $4 billion in insured losses in Jamaica and tens of billions of dollars of overall damage throughout the Caribbean, NBC News reported Monday. "Homes are destroyed. These people have been building these homes themselves for years and they're destroyed,” McIntosh told News 8. “That's the saddest part. Not something we can really buy back. Homes are destroyed. I have cousins in a home with nine people (and) one bedroom.” An undated photo of Jay McIntosh and his family. (Courtesy Jay McIntosh)An undated photo of Jay McIntosh and his family. (Courtesy Jay McIntosh) Media reports indicate more than three quarters of all Jamaicans lost power as Melissa roared across the island. By Monday, half of the hurricane ravaged communities remained in the dark. "It's tough to be so far away,” McIntosh said from his Kalamazoo home. “My dad is fully Jamaican, played a role in all their lives. And when he passed away, I took on the role. I want to take on that responsibility, but it's helplessness from here." Jamaica rushes to prepare for peak tourism season as it digs out from Hurricane Melissa His only comfort is knowing family members in his Jamaican hometown are safe. "Everyone I heard from is alive,” he exclaimed. “We have still yet to hear from a few aunts from the Falmouth area. Everyone is alive — that is the most beautiful thing. We will build back better. We will be able to touch each other again and there is life.” A GoFundMe account has been launched to support McIntosh's family in Jamaica. “Your support will bring hope and healing to a family and community that mean the world to us," the GoFundMe reads in part.
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Hurricane death toll rises to 43 in Haiti as aid pours in across the northern Caribbean
PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti (AP) — Haiti’s government said Tuesday that the death toll from Hurricane Melissa rose to 43, with 13 others still missing. Crews were still trying to reach people in the country’s southwest region, where landslides and floodwaters devastated more than 30 communities. GoFundMe to support family of Jay McIntosh, who are in Jamaica At least 25 deaths occurred in the southwestern coastal town of Petit-Goâve, one of the hardest hit communities. The Category 5 storm, one of the strongest Atlantic hurricanes on record, flooded nearly 12,000 homes and destroyed nearly 200 others after its outer bands battered Haiti last week. Numerous roads remain inaccessible. The government warned there’s a drinking water shortage in several communities, and that it will soon distribute seeds and tools to farmers facing major agricultural losses. More than 1,700 people remain in shelters. Meanwhile, in nearby Jamaica, crews were trying to reach more than two dozen communities that remained cut off since Melissa made landfall on Oct. 28. The storm killed at least 32 people in Jamaica, with officials warning that number would rise. Mike Bassett, national director of domestic, humanitarian and emergency affairs of World Vision International, said a potential humanitarian crisis could unfold if aid is not delivered quickly. “I have been doing this for over 10 years, and I have never seen anything like this,” Bassett said Tuesday while in Jamaica. He said that while visiting hurricane-ravaged communities like Chester Castle and Cambridge, people were seen bathing in a river and harvesting its water for drinking because of a lack of electricity and water supply in the hurricane’s aftermath. World Vision is among a growing list of international aid agencies and volunteers that are working independently and with Jamaican officials to administer aid. “The relief flights are coming in fast and furious and there is no shortage of supplies,” said Transport and Energy Minister Daryl Vaz, who is the co-chair of the special committee established to streamline the government’s relief and recovery efforts. Pearnel Charles Jr., who leads Jamaica’s Social Security Ministry, said the relief effort is being ramped up. “We are coordinating with every available resource,” said Charles, who rejected complaints that not enough was being done to get aid to storm survivors fast enough.
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Chief Meteorologist Ellen Bacca (and husband Mark) welcomed their first child over the weekend, with the birth of Piper Sunny. Check out these sweet pictures<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Hurricane Lee continues to slowly track toward the United States. Click here for the latest on intensity and path<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
Saturday brought plenty of sunshine and calm conditions. Bill’s Blog dives into what is currently the calmest day of 2023.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n
WEATHER WEAR<\/strong>
Rain Jacket
Umbrella<\/p>\n\n\n\n
SUNRISE<\/strong> 7:17 a.m.
SUNSET<\/strong> 7:59 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lord, you know the hopes of the helpless. Surely you will hear their cries and comfort them.
PSALM 10:17 NLTGrand Rapids / Lakeshore
Kalamazoo
Battle Creek
Benton Harbor