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Severe storms hammer Plains, Midwest communities — and it’s not over yet
OTTAWA, Kan. (AP) — A day after severe storms damaged communities in the Plains and the Midwest, forecasters warned that storms could bring giant hail, tornadoes and severe wind gusts to the regions again on Tuesday afternoon and evening. Authorities in Kansas reported several people with minor injuries after storms passed through on Monday. Three people were left with minor injuries in rural Franklin County, about 50 miles (80 kilometers) southwest of Kansas City, according to the sheriff’s office. In Ottawa, a city of about 13,000 people, officials said there was structural damage, but there were no deaths or injuries. Power lines and trees were damaged, as well as several businesses, including one where outside walls were gone. A damaged building in Ottawa, Kansas, is shown on Tuesday, April 14, following severe storms. (AP Photo/Nick Ingram) A National Weather Service survey team will assess damage in the Ottawa area on Tuesday to determine whether a tornado passed through there, according to Chelsea Picha, a meteorologist with the weather service’s office in Topeka. 5.7 magnitude earthquake hits northern Nevada In neighboring Miami County, two people reported minor injuries, several homes were destroyed and recreational vehicles and campers were overturned, according to the sheriff’s office. Power lines were de-energized in Hillsdale until cleanup could be safely completed, the sheriff’s office said. Three tornadoes touched down in southern Minnesota, where some damage to farms was reported, according to Jake Beitlich, a meteorologist in the Twin Cities office. There were also reports of baseball-sized hail that caused damage to vehicles in the area, he said. Lightning flashes as a thunderstorm passes in the distance on Monday, April 13, 2026, in Lenexa, Kan. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel) A tornado touched down near Gilman, a village of about 380 people in northwestern Wisconsin, said Jeff Boyne, a meteorologist in the National Weather Service’s La Crosse, Wisconsin, office, but he said the damage was minor. The weather service was still working to determine the tornado’s rating. The storms peeled the roof off a manufactured home in Steuben, a village of about 120 people in southwestern Wisconsin, he said, but there have been no reports of any injuries in the state. A number of schools around the Madison area were forced to close Tuesday morning due to lack of power. More than 25,000 customers were without power in Wisconsin on Tuesday morning, according to poweroutage.us. Forecasters warned of significant river and small stream flooding expected through the end of the week in the Upper Great Lakes with the heaviest rainfall expected overnight into Wednesday with scattered flash flooding. In Michigan, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency Friday at the Cheboygan Lock and Dam Complex as record snowfall in March and the recent rains have elevated water levels. More pumps were being added to help push water toward Lake Huron on Monday. As of 7 a.m. Tuesday, the water level was 7.68 inches (19.5 centimeters) below the top of the structure, according to a state website.
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Monster typhoon bears down on US-controlled islands
(The Hill) -- A dangerous typhoon bore down on two U.S. territories in the western Pacific Ocean on Tuesday, bringing strong winds and life-threatening flooding. Typhoon Sinlaku was downgraded from a super typhoon early Wednesday local time as it battered the Northern Mariana Islands, according to the latest advisory from the National Weather Service (NWS) in Guam. The center of the powerful storm was pulling away from Tinian and Saipan, moving northwest at 5 mph. Forecasters said it is expected to pass just west of the islands of Almagan, Pagan and Agrihan in the latter half of the week. As of the latest advisory, maximum sustained winds had decreased to 145 mph, with typhoon-force winds extending up to 75 miles from the center and tropical storm-force winds extending outward up to 265 miles. The Weather Channel reported that Sinlaku is the strongest tropical cyclone so far in 2026, rapidly strengthening from a Category 1 storm to a peak intensity of 185 mph maximum sustained winds. The slow-moving storm lashed Guam and the Northern Marianas with fierce winds and torrential rain, with forecasts calling for up to 15 to 20 inches of precipitation for Tinian and Saipan and 6 to 12 inches for Rota, according to NWS. Flash flood warnings were in effect across the remote U.S. islands, with an estimated storm surge of at least 5-8 feet above ground level expected in the Northern Marianas. NWS said wind-and-wave-driven surf could result in even higher storm surge along windward-facing beaches and reefs. Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Jose Blas Camacho told The Associated Press late Tuesday that Sinlaku was “hitting us hard.” “It’s so difficult for us to respond with this heavy rain, heavy wind to rescue people. Objects are just flying left and right,” he said. The NWS in Guam also issued an extreme wind warning for Saipan and Tinian until 5 a.m. ChST, or 3 p.m. EDT, amid typhoon-force winds. “Treat these imminent extreme winds as if a tornado was approaching and move immediately to an interior room or shelter NOW!” the agency warned. The Northern Mariana Islands are home to roughly 47,329 people, according to 2020 U.S. Census estimates. The population of Guam was approximately 153,836 in 2020. A meteorologist with the weather service said during a Facebook video broadcast that Tuesday into Wednesday would “not be an easy night for anyone across Tinian or Saipan,” according to the AP. Many “will wake up to a different island,” he reportedly said. Officials on Guam said sustained winds of 40 to 60 mph, with higher gusts, were forecast to continue through Wednesday morning local time, before gradually subsiding through the afternoon. “Such winds will continue to pose risk to public safety, infrastructure and power lines,” the Guam Joint Information Center said in a special bulletin, urging residents and visitors to stay inside.
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Ask Ellen: What impact would a ‘super El Nino’ have on West Michigan?
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Experts predict a good chance of an El Nino forming in 2026, and early forecasts indicate it could be strong enough to be considered a "super El Nino." Even though El Nino refers to warmer than average temperatures in the eastern equatorial Pacific, it can have a significant impact on the weather we see in West Michigan, especially in the winter. It can also steer an Atlantic hurricane season into a quieter span. The stronger the El Nino, the more likely it is for it to influence weather around the globe. Download the free Storm Team 8 weather app WHAT IS A SUPER EL NINO? If the waters are warmer than usual, it is considered to be in an El Nino phase. If the departure is more than 2 degrees Celsius warmer than usual, it is considered a "super" El Nino. A temperature departure of 2 to 3 degrees Celsius is not very common. It has only happened a handful of times since 1950. ENSO levels since 1950 have been monitored closely each month. El Nino conditions usually begin in late summer or fall, with the strongest departures always occurring in the winter months. This is one of the reasons El Nino patterns have the most impact on winter month forecasts rather than summer month forecasts. Past records show six winter seasons with a strong El Nino present. Here is a look at those winters, their average departure from October through March, and the amount of snow Grand Rapids received that year. An El Nino does not guarantee a dry or warm winter — it just makes a drier or warmer winter more likely. The stronger the El Nino, the more likely it is that the winter will be mild and dry. The strongest El Nino on record happened in 2015-2016, but it does not hold the record for the lowest snow. Still, most of the strong El Nino years produced less snowfall than usual in West Michigan. Sign up for breaking news alert emails The reason we see a better chance of warmer and drier conditions in an El Nino winter season is that the storm track over the United States and Canada usually takes on a distinctive shape, steering warmer and drier-than-usual weather into states like Michigan. Currently, there is a good chance an El Nino will form for the winter of 2026-27. Scientists will know by late summer and early fall for sure if an El Nino is truly present, as well as the likely impacts for the winter ahead.
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Variety will ensure blooms for Tulip Time, organizers say
HOLLAND, Mich. (WOOD) — Organizers of Tulip Time are hoping for cooler weather to slow blooming so more flowers reach peak bloom May 1, when the Holland festival begins. Warm weather — like we'll see this week — is a factor in causing some of the tulips to open early. But while some are in full bloom, many are not, which is what festival organizers want. If too many bloom early, wind and hail can knock off the flower petals. “We're hoping that the weather cools off a little bit so that they don't continue to grow as rapidly as they do when it's 70 degrees out,” Tulip Time Executive Director Gwen Auwerda said Monday. Tulip Time releases festival lineup The executive director of Tulip Time says organizers plant a variety of bulbs and make as many preparations as possible. “We're about 5% in bloom of all the tulips that we have in town, so that's not bad. Pretty typical for this time of year. We keep looking at the 10-day forecast every day to see what’s going to happen,” Auwerda said. Early tulip blooms in Holland. (April 13, 2026) Early tulip blooms in Holland. (April 13, 2026) Early tulip blooms in Holland. (April 13, 2026) Early tulip blooms in Holland. (April 13, 2026) Early tulip blooms in Holland. (April 13, 2026) Not every factor can be controlled. “Sunlight definitely plays into it. The weather is the next factor. There's so many varieties of tulips and we plant over 100 varieties throughout the city. There's early, mid- and late blooming tulips. We learn as we pick a tulip and say, 'This will be great. Let's try it,'” Auwerda said. How close the bulbs are planted to downtown Holland's heated sidewalks can also speed up development. “We're fortunate that we live here; that when the tulips bloom, we can go out and see them when it happens,” area resident Fred Derheimer said. He and his wife Terri Derheimer have seen many Tulip Times and are not too worried, even if some of the flowers are already in bloom. “I bet we have tulips for Tulip Time because it looks like, to me, the early ones are blooming, but we'll still have some in May,” Terri Derheimer said. Tulip Time sets grand marshals for parades Even with some festivals in previous years losing some flowers early, visitors managed to have fun. “People still came because they don't they didn't know. They come from far away and they're hoping for the tulips but I do remember you know there were T-shirts that were printed that said 'stem fest' on it and you just got to go with the flow, I guess,” Terri Derheimer said. Still, festival organizers are optimistic for a great tulip variety for visitors this year. “We have like 4.5 million tulips planted throughout the city and our attractions, so there's always going to be something blooming for three to four weeks," Auwerda said. "So don't panic."
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Floodwaters now less than 12 inches away from top of Cheboygan Dam
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Water levels have risen to within a foot of the top of the Cheboygan Dam, triggering the first step of safety protocols in the area. The Cheboygan County Sheriff’s Office made the announcement early Monday morning, walking nearby residents through the state’s protocols. The Cheboygan Dam is at the “Ready” stage of the “Ready, Set, Go” protocols. Sign up for the Storm Team 8 daily forecast newsletter According to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, the first stage is triggered “when water is 12 inches below the top of the dam with levels rising 3 inches a day or more.” The DNR recommends all residents in the area plan and pack for an evacuation. A “go-bag” should include medications and any important documents. The sheriff's office also recommends securing outdoor items and moving valuables to higher levels. People should avoid riverbanks and any low-lying areas and monitor nearby officials for updates. The area has been hit hard in recent weeks with spring rains and melting snow. It received a record snowfall in March. With more rain in the forecast, the DNR activated five pumps to divert water around the dam and is working to secure more. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for the area on Friday and activated the State Emergency Operations Center. An aerial photo of the high water levels at the Cheboygan Dam on April 12, 2026. (Courtesy Cheboygan County Sheriff's Office) The “Ready” stage is the first of three in the state protocols. Stage 2 is when the floodwaters reach 6 inches below the top of the dam with water levels rising at least 3 inches per day. Stage 3 is when the floodwaters reach 1 inch below the top of the dam and a high probability of dam failure. The DNR recommends everyone follow evacuation orders and look for roadblocks that will be placed around the dam’s perimeter. In addition to social media posts, evacuation orders will also be sent using FEMA’s Integrated Public Alert & Warning System.
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Live: Tornado warning in Allegan County
.................... GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Thunderstorms moving into West Michigan are triggering tornado warnings and watches as well as severe thunderstorm warnings in many counties. Inside woodtv.com: Radar A tornado warning has been issued in Barry County until 12:45 a.m. and Allegan County until 12:30 a.m. The Allegan County emergency manager confirmed a tornado moved through Allegan County and power outages have been reported in the area. Some without power amid storms in West Michigan A severe storm produced a confirmed 80 mph wind gust near Grand Rapids, prompting a tornado warning after tracking directly over Gerald R. Ford International Airport. A tornado was observed on the ground in southern Montcalm County, according reports from the National Weather Service. Severe thunderstorm warnings have been issued in Calhoun and Kalamazoo counties until 1:15 p.m., Barry County until 1 a.m. and Allegan and Van Buren counties until 12:15 a.m. Tornado watches have been issued in Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Kent, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Ottawa, St. Joseph and Van Buren counties until 4 a.m. Multiple rounds of thunderstorms are expected to sweep through West Michigan this week, bringing the threat of severe weather, including the possibility of a tornado Tuesday night. Viewers shared photos of lightning flashing across West Michigan. ReportIt: Send us your photos As heavy rain poured, some areas of West Michigan experienced flooding. At the Coopersville exit off of I-96, a News 8 crew saw a vehicle partially submerged in standing water caused by floodwaters. TUESDAY NIGHT The more likely time for severe weather appears to be Tuesday evening and continuing overnight. We'll have to watch storm initiation in Wisconsin and Illinois. For this side of the lake, the main timing would fall between 8 p.m. to 4 a.m. Wednesday morning. As of 9 a.m. Tuesday, the Storm Prediction Center has upgraded much of the area from just north of Muskegon to Grand Rapids to Lansing to enhanced risk (level 3 out of 5). This time around, all three severe weather risks will be in play, including the chance of tornadoes. The high straight-line wind gusts will represent the highest risk, with a few gusts potentially achieving and possibly exceeding 80 mph. ReportIt: Send us your photos WEDNESDAY Chances of severe weather continue Wednesday for the third consecutive day. A marginal risk (level 1) clips the area. Download the free Storm Team 8 weather app The main timing would likely fall into the evening hours once again, likely between 4 p.m. and 10 p.m. It's possible that West Michigan misses the severe weather this time around. A LOOK BACK: MONDAY NIGHT The first round of severe weather for the week was Monday evening, when hail fell in Hastings and Portland. Viewers submitted photos to News 8 shows some hail was even larger than a quarter. RAIN AND FLOODING RISKS Flooding has already been a problem this April and will likely continue that way this week. Lower Michigan is under a flood watch until Thursday evening. Emergency operations expanded statewide to monitor flooding potential That makes this week's rainfall forecast rather daunting, with the bullseye of the heaviest rain centered across Lower Michigan. Through the end of the week, an additional 1 to 3 inches of rain is looking likely in some spots. This is particularly concerning for the Muskegon River, which is already under a flood warning. The Muskegon River at Bridgeton is expected to crest at 18.0 feet on Thursday, which may be worse than 2018 levels. The record is currently 16.8 feet. Stay with Storm Team 8 for updates on this week's severe weather and flooding risks.
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Active pattern sets up with several rounds of showers and thunderstorms
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — April showers have followed a very soggy March with more rain on the way this week for West Michigan. Warm, humid air will stay in place all week with several rounds of showers and storms through Thursday. Some downpours could lead to localized flooding. A severe weather threat is possible Tuesday morning and again late Tuesday night. SUNDAY NIGHT Rain will move through Michigan, with the heaviest totals north of Big Rapids, and Flood Watches are in effect for much of the northern Lower Peninsula as well as the Upper Peninsula. An additional 1 to 2 inches of rain is expected overnight in those locations, with only light to moderate rain in West Michigan. Showers are expected to clear just after sunrise. MONDAY Expect mostly cloudy skies with a warm and fairly humid springtime air mass. The ingredients will be in place for a severe storm, but it has lower-tier potential, with much of the day delivering dry weather. The most likely scenario is that severe thunderstorms develop in Minnesota and Wisconsin on Monday afternoon, then move into West Michigan late Monday night into Tuesday morning. If storms can retain some of their intensity during their trip across Lake Michigan, there's a risk of hail and heavy rain. TUESDAY Tuesday brings the best chance of severe weather this week. Cloud cover may limit our potential, but if thunderstorms develop, all modes of severe weather, including large hail, damaging winds and tornadoes will be possible. The Storm Prediction Center has all of West Michigan contained in a slight risk (level 2 out of 5). The most likely timeframe for severe storms appears to be the evening to early overnight. Stay alert for changing conditions and have a way to receive watch and warning information if you plan to be outside. MOVING FORWARD It's going to stay on the warmer side throughout this week as rounds of rain and thunderstorms plug through. Temperatures will consistently top off in the 70s with dew points in the 50s and 60s, lending a muggy feeling to the air that we haven't experienced much so far in 2026. River levels are expected to slowly subside after peaking last week. However, with another heavy dose of rain projected over the next several days, Storm Team 8 will continue to closely monitor the situation.
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Artemis II splashes down, astronauts return to Earth
(NEXSTAR) – Artemis II's voyage into space came to an exciting conclusion Friday with a splashdown in the Pacific Ocean. The team's Orion capsule, dubbed "Integrity," splashed down at 5:07 p.m. PT, about 60 miles off the coast of San Diego. The crew returning are NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover and Christina Koch, as well as Jeremy Hansen with the Canadian Space Agency. Artemis II reentry: Will a sonic boom be heard? Their 10-day voyage marks our first return to the moon in more than 50 years. Upon landing, all eyes were on the capsule’s life-protecting heat shield that had to withstand thousands of degrees during reentry. On the only other test flight of the spacecraft — in 2022, with no one on board — the shield’s charred exterior came back looking as pockmarked as the moon. Commander Reid Wiseman, pilot Victor Glover, Christina Koch and Canada’s Jeremy Hansen hit the atmosphere traveling Mach 33 — or 32 times the speed of sound — a blistering blur not seen since NASA’s Apollo moonshots of the 1960s and 1970s. In this image from video provided by NASA, the Artemis II Orion capsule splashes down in the Pacific Ocean, on Friday, April 10, 2026. (NASA via AP)In this photo provided by NASA, recovery teams approach the Orion spacecraft carrying Artemis II crewmembers after splashdown in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California, Friday, April 10, 2026. (Joel Kowsky/NASA via AP) Upon landing, Commander Wiseman reported "four green crew members," which indicated that all four astronauts aboard the capsule were in good health. The astronauts did not immediately exit the capsule, instead, Integrity bobbed afloat in the Pacific for some time after splash down, as the crew waited for power down. The Integrity's hatch finally opened nearly one hour after splashdown. To retrieve the astronauts, Navy divers inflated a massive raft called "the front porch," to give them time to adjust to gravitational movement. From there, they were hoisted into hovering choppers for a full medical evaluation. The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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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
The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul who seeks him.
LAMENTATIONS 3:25 ESVGrand Rapids / Lakeshore
Kalamazoo
Battle Creek
Benton Harbor