Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Northern Michigan and Eastern Wisconsin

The National Weather Service has placed 27 counties in northern Lower Michigan and 11 counties in eastern Wisconsin under Severe Thunderstorm Watches through the afternoon. Forecasts call for damaging wind gusts of 60‑80 mph, hail up to 1.25 inches in diameter, frequent lightning and a limited risk of isolated tornadoes. Specific warnings highlight the potential for extensive tree and mobile‑home damage, especially along the popular summer tourism corridor that includes Traverse City, Petoskey, and the Lake Michigan shoreline.

Similar severe weather threats are forecast for northern Iowa, where the Storm Prediction Center issued a Level 3 (high) risk for damaging winds, large hail and possible tornadoes. Residents are advised to stay weather‑aware, have multiple warning sources, and seek shelter if warnings are issued.