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• Severe weather remains possible Tuesday evening

  GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Showers and storms will develop Tuesday as a strong front splits Lower Michigan. Inside woodtv.com: Radar Showers and thunderstorms rolled through West Michigan Tuesday afternoon with more on the way for the evening. While there still is a chance of a severe storm or two, the threat is looking considerably lower as the day goes on. Still, the severe threat remains as a level 2 out of 5 (slight) for areas from just north of Holland, Grand Rapids and to Greenville to the south. It appears most of us will avoid any flooding rain, as most will see no more than .25 to .50 inches in the rain gauge. Download the free Storm Team 8 weather app ACTIVE PATTERN CONTINUES We'll have plenty more chances for rain this week, especially Thursday and Saturday as the pattern remains quite active. Thursday will be a challenging day, with the threat of freezing rain during the morning north of Grand Rapids replaced with the threat of severe weather by evening. The Storm Prediction Center already has West Michigan included in the slight risk category for Thursday. Another storm system will arrive this holiday weekend, giving us additional chance of more rain and possible stormy weather. Total rainfall amounts through the weekend could range between 1 and 3 inches. Storm Team 8 Forecast Cooler and breezy conditions will settle in for Easter Sunday.

• Severe weather threat returns Monday and Tuesday

  GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Showers and storms will develop overnight Monday into Tuesday, with a few storms likely to produce lightning and hail. Inside woodtv.com: Radar The severe threat will not be particularly high in Michigan as a level 1 out of 5 (marginal) risk remains in place. If strong storms do occur, large hail would be the primary concern. TUESDAY As storms clear Tuesday morning, sunshine may appear. If this is the case, it will be used as fuel for more severe weather later in the day. The highest threat for severe storms looks to be in the late afternoon and evening. This go around, a level 2 (slight) risk is in place for most of West Michigan. Damaging wind gusts and hail will be possible. Download the free Storm Team 8 weather app ACTIVE PATTERN CONTINUES The active pattern will continue through the remainder of the week with additional precipitation chances, including for thunderstorms, Thursday and Saturday. Thursday could be tricky due to tumbling temperatures. This poses a threat of freezing rain north of Grand Rapids during the morning hours. Warmer air arriving late in the day will increase the chance of thunderstorms later in the day. More storms will be possible Saturday before cooler and drier air arrives Easter Sunday.

• 70 years since an F5 in Michigan: How tornado ratings have changed

  Editor's note: The video in this report is 2006 special report from Storm Team 8 looking back on the Hudsonville-Standale tornado 50 years after it happened. GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — On April 3, 1956, an F5 tornado swept through Ottawa County, leaving a path of destruction in its wake. Seventy years later, tracking tornadoes has vastly improved and so has how meteorologists rate the damage. FUJITA TO ENHANCED FUJITA SCALE The original tornado rating system, the Fujita scale, was established in 1971. Prior to that, there was no formal way to rate tornadoes. Scientist Ted Fujita designed the scale in an attempt to combine the Beaufort scale (used for maritime winds) and Mach number scale (used for speed of sound). How the National Weather Service issues watches and warnings On Feb. 1, 2007, the enhanced Fujita scale took over. That change shifted the threshold for each tornado rating. For example, an EF5 tornado, at the top of the scale, indicates wind speeds greater than 200 mph. Prior to 2007, an F5 tornado wind speed range was up to 318 mph. This change was brought about by an increased understanding in tornadoes. The original Fujita scale did not have a true understanding of the damage that could be caused by certain wind speeds. It also did not take into account construction. For example, a weakly built home would certainly be demolished by a tornado, while a strongly built one may only have minor damage. The enhanced Fujita scale also used 28 damage indicators to help finalize the rating of tornadoes. RARITY OF EF5 TORNADOES Despite the changes between the Fujita and enhanced Fujita scale, both an EF5 and F5 tornado are quite rare. Only 60 have occurred since 1950, an average of fewer than one per year. The most recent EF5 tornado happened in 2025 in Enderlin, North Dakota. That storm broke the 12-year drought of EF5 tornadoes. North Dakota tornado was the first at EF5 strength in a dozen years OTTAWA COUNTY: DISASTER READY Regardless of the rarity of the event, Ottawa County Emergency Management is prepared. "The first thing to know is that there's no way to stop a tornado. So regardless of 1956 or now, we've going to be severely impacted. Now, we've got a really good relationship with the National Weather Service. I'm sure their radar and a lot of the science has come along way since 1956," Director of Emergency Management Lou Hunt said. 5-year-old siren fan helps Ottawa County’s monthly test Unlike in 1956, Ottawa County now has hundreds of SKYWARN weather spotters across the region ready to provide real-time reports when a storm arrives. In addition, the county has a robust network of tornado sirens, allowing those outside to heed the warning. "The ones that we have here in Ottawa County right now are not costing us a lot of money. The the original outlay of funds was expensive. But where we're at right now, we're in pretty good shape with that. I would love to see us keep them forever. My vision is always the little girl riding her bike and she's unaware that there's ugly weather coming. She hears those outdoor warning sirens and goes home," Hunt said. The city of Hudsonville also created an emergency management department as a direct result of the 1956 tornado. It is one of only 16 municipal-level emergency management departments in Michigan and the only such department in Ottawa County. The department is regularly trained in severe weather and is fully prepared for the next event. Join News 8 at 7 p.m. Friday as we look back at the Hudsonville-Standale tornado.

• Risk of severe weather returns this afternoon

  GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — The chance of thunderstorms will increase across West Michigan heading into Thursday afternoon, especially south of Grand Rapids. Inside woodtv.com: Radar Thursday will represent the last mild day before we head into the weekend. Highs near the Indiana state line may reach 70 degrees. Showers and storms are expected in the afternoon and evening, with the greatest chance for severe weather in Michigan south of I-94. The most likely location for severe weather with this cold front will be portions of Illinois, Indiana and Ohio. All elements of severe weather are possible, but the greatest threat will be large hail. The higher threat for strong winds and a tornado will be south of Michigan. Cold air will pour in behind the system, dropping Friday's and Saturday's high temperatures to the low 40s. Rain amounts will range from trace amounts to 0.50 inches. Download the free Storm Team 8 weather app Expect a sharp cooldown into the start of the upcoming weekend with highs in the lower to middle 40s on Friday and Saturday. Stay with Storm Team 8 for the latest information.

• Ask Ellen: Can I put my snowblower away?

  GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Spring has officially arrived, with highs in the 40s, 50s, and 60s becoming more frequent, but does this mean it is safe to stow away the snow gear for another season? While it's impossible to know all the tricks up nature's sleeve, historical data can help answer this question statistically. Typically, by the end of March, the average highs climb to about 50 degrees. Snow becomes less likely, but not impossible. In fact, most locations see a few light snow chances into April most years. Still, this point in the year usually shifts away from snowfalls of 6 inches or more in a single drop. Typically, the Grand Rapids area sees the last 3-inch snowfall around March 8. What's the latest we've seen shovel-able snow in West Michigan? Snow data from many decades ago can be tricky to find. Meticulous records have been kept for the Grand Rapids area, making it one of the best sources of reference for the latest snows. When looking at data that trends back to the late 1800s, snows worthy of a snowblower have fallen in April and May. Since 2000, the most recent 3-inch snowfall occurred on April 14, 2019. So far in 2026, forecasts are pointing to a better-than-average chance that the first half of April will be warmer and wetter, reducing our chances of snow. West Michigan is never completely out of the woods until May, but statistically, the chances for heavy snow drop every day closer to the solstice.

• Rising Grand River causes some flooding in Comstock Park

  PLAINFIELD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD) — Abrigador Trail in Comstock Park was partially flooded Wednesday afternoon after water levels continued to rise in the Grand River.  According to Kent County Sheriff’s Emergency Management, the river was expected to rise to around 12.3 feet, which is 3 inches more than the minor flood stage threshold.  The sheriff’s office said it would be working alongside local partners to monitor the safety of residents and monitoring weather conditions closely.  A News 8 crew along Abrigador Trail, which is prone to flooding, saw water creeping up into yards Wednesday. Flooding at Abrigador Trail. (March 18, 2026)Flooding at Abrigador Trail. (March 18, 2026)Flooding at Abrigador Trail. (March 18, 2026)Flooding at Abrigador Trail. (March 18, 2026) Nearby residents were encouraged to secure outdoor items, check drainage systems and sump pumps, not to drive through flooded areas and to keep children and pets away from the river until water levels decrease.

• Senators ask why NWS didn’t issue tornado watch before deadly storm

  GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Michigan's U.S. senators have sent a letter to the head of the National Weather Service, asking why a tornado watch was not issued before a storm ripped through Southwest Michigan on March 6, spawning four tornadoes and killing four people. “We mourn for those who lost their lives to this storm, and we stand fully prepared to work with the impacted families and communities to begin the process of rebuilding and recovering,” the letter, dated March 13, reads in part. “At the same time, we seek to better understand how this tragic event unfolded and what changes are required to better protect public safety and avoid such tragic loss of life during future extreme weather events.” ‘We’re going for a ride now’: How survivors rode out the Union Lake tornado In the letter (PDF), Sens. Gary Peters and Elissa Slotkin, both Democrats, also asked NWS Director Kenneth Graham about staffing at Michigan and northern Indiana NWS stations, including whether it is down compared to 2024 and how many open jobs each station has. "Was a lack of staff and/or resources a contributing factor to NWS’s inability to issue a tornado watch alert ahead of the March 6 tornadoes?" the letter questions. "What, if anything, would have allowed the responsible NWS offices to identify the supercell that produced these tornadoes more quickly and, in turn, issue a tornado watch alert ahead of the first touchdown? In particular, would a gap-filling radar have provided additional data that could have allowed staff to better characterize the threat of the oncoming storm?" A release from the senators clarified they were looking to find out if "self-inflicted staffing shortages" during the Trump administration were to blame. Peters, who is not seeking reelection and is in his last year in office, has a bill before the Senate that aims to "help ensure that the National Weather Service can continue providing 24/7 forecasting service." Damage left behind on Prairie Rose Lane near Union City days after a tornado. (March 12, 2026) Crews pick through a mess of debris left behind days after a tornado ripped through the Prairie Rose Lane neighborhood near Union City. (March 9, 2026) A mess of debris left behind days after a tornado ripped through the Prairie Rose Lane neighborhood near Union City. (March 9, 2026) John Barone walks through the wreckage of his neighborhood days after a deadly tornado. (March 9, 2026) A mess of debris days after a tornado ripped through the neighborhood on Prairie Rose Lane near Union City. (March 9, 2026) Damage from a tornado that tore through Union City. (March 7, 2026)Damage from a tornado that tore through Union City. (March 7, 2026) In their letter, Peters and Slotkin also asked the NWS what it would do to "improve the accuracy of its weather forecasting and prediction as well as the timeliness of its tornado alerts" and what it might need from Congress to many any improvements happen. Their letter seeks a response within 30 days. Union City residents salvage items from tornado wreckage The March 6 storm produced four tornadoes. Two of those were fatal: One killed a 12-year-old boy near Edwardsburg and the other, an EF3, killed three people near Union City. Several others were injured. No severe thunderstorm or tornado watches were issued before the tornadic supercell formed. Tornado warnings were issued as the storm came through. Storm Team 8 says the first was issued at 3:14 p.m., but according to NWS' survey of the storm, the first tornado touched down a 3:11 p.m. —Storm Team 8 meteorologist Sara Flynn contributed to this report.

• Winter returns across West Michigan: Snow, wind and cold temperatures expected

  GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Snow showers have made a return to West Michigan, with some accumulation expected Monday night into Tuesday. A winter weather advisory remains in effect for West Michigan until 11 a.m. Tuesday. Snow showers will be fairly light for most of the region Monday evening. At times, there may be robust bands west of US-131 that quickly reduce visibility. Northern Michigan hit with power outages as winter storm continues Snow totals will be quite variable across the region. Areas west of US-131 will see some pockets between 4 and 6 inches. Most of West Michigan will see around 1 to 4 inches. Higher snow totals are possible at the lakeshore and stretches along I-94 in the heaviest lake-effect snow bands. Inside woodtv.com: Radar A wind advisory remains in effect until 11 p.m. Monday as wind continues to gust near 50 mph. Cold air also sticks around for St. Patrick's Day. Expect high temperatures to peak in the low to mid-20s as wind chills remain in the single digits most of the day. Temperatures will begin to warm up as the coldest air returns to Canada later in the week. This will melt any snow that accumulates Monday and Tuesday. Download the free Storm Team 8 weather app Stay with Storm Team 8 for the latest.

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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

TODAY<\/strong>
Widespread Rain Developing
Pockets of Locally Heavy Rain
HIGH:<\/strong> 67
LOW:<\/strong> 55
WINDS: SE 5-10 mph<\/p>\n\n\n\n

SUNRISE<\/strong> 7:17 a.m.
SUNSET<\/strong> 7:59 p.m.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TODAY<\/strong> Take along the rain jacket and umbrella as you head out the door, as widespread rain will be rolling through the area today. The most concentrated rain will prevail during the morning hours, with the rain becoming more scattered in nature late in the day. Amounts will range from 0.10-0.50+ and will likely be localized. Otherwise, expect overcast skies and highs in the mid-upper 60s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

TUESDAY<\/strong> – WEDNESDAY<\/strong> Scattered showers continue for most of Tuesday before tapering off Wednesday morning. Cooler temperatures arrive with highs in the low to mid-60s. It will be breezy as winds come from the north at 10-20 mph.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

THURSDAY <\/strong> Cool and quiet conditions will prevail with more sunshine and highs in the mid-upper 60s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

FRIDAY <\/strong> Plenty of sunshine is on tap, with slightly warmer air returning to the area. Afternoon highs will reach the mid-70s.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

WEEKEND WEATHER<\/strong> Sunshine will continue to dominate over the weekend, with highs in the low-mid 70.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

LOOKING AHEAD<\/strong> The overall pattern remains mostly dry and warmer than “average” into the fourth week of September, with the 8 to 14 day outlook placing West Michigan in a drier and warmer-than-normal pattern.<\/p>\n\n\n