Alert archive / Michigan / Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in 2025

Severe Thunderstorm Warning 52, NWS Northern Indiana

May 15, 2025Branch County, Saint Joseph County, Michigan

NWS Northern Indiana issued this severe thunderstorm warning at May 15, 2025, 11:28 PM EDT for Branch County, Saint Joseph County, Michigan. It was in force for 47 min. No storm report in the archive falls inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The counties it named.

The facts

Issued
May 15, 2025, 11:28 PM EDT (03:28 UTC)
Expired
May 16, 2025, 12:15 AM EDT
In force
47 min
Issued by
NWS Northern Indiana
Area
Storm-based polygon
Hail
0.88 in
Wind
60.0 mph

Counties Branch County, MI, Saint Joseph County, MI

The radar

The Northern Indiana radar (KIWX), 70 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 03:29 UTC, the scan nearest the moment this went out.

Open the radar archive at this moment

The archived warnings, watches and discussions in force at that minute are drawn over the scan, this one among them.

The watch it was issued in

The SPC watch in force over the same counties when this warning went out.

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
May 15, 9:30 PM EDTTornado WatchSPC3 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Detroit, MI (KDTX), launched 00:00Z, 3.5 hours before the alert went out and 177 km from the middle of its area. This is the routine balloon launch nearest before it, the air the forecaster had in hand, not a measurement taken for the alert.

Skew-T log-pSkew-T log-p diagram, Detroit, MI at 00:00Z on 2025-05-16Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 1413 joules per kilogram.LCLLFCEL10008507005003002001001 km2 km3 km6 km9 km12 km15 km-30°-20°-10°0°10°20°30°40°
Temperature in red, dew point in green, the mixed-layer parcel dashed.
HodographHodograph, Detroit, MI at 00:00Z on 2025-05-16The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 116 square meters per square second.19395878Sfc1 km3 km6 km9 kmRMLM
The wind turning with height, colored by layer: ground to 1 km, 1 to 3 km, 3 to 6 km, 6 to 10 km.
Mixed-layer CAPE
1413 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-24 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1102 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
32 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
116 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
216 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.8
Supercell composite
5.8

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

What forecasters said that day

The local office's own words before this severe thunderstorm warning went out, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.

NWS Northern Indiana wrote its last area forecast discussion before this severe thunderstorm warning went out at May 15, 6:06 PM EDT, 5 hours 22 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Strong to severe storms are likely this evening into the early overnight (8 pm through 2 am EDT). All hazards possible.
  • Another round of showers and storms is expected late Friday afternoon into Friday evening. A few storms could become severe.
  • Warm temperatures through Friday will give way to cooler and drier conditions this weekend.
Area forecast discussion, May 15, 6:06 PM EDT, 5 hours 22 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Northern Indiana
606 PM EDT Thu May 15 2025

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Strong to severe storms are likely this evening into the early
  overnight (8 pm through 2 am EDT). All hazards possible.

- Another round of showers and storms is expected late Friday
  afternoon into Friday evening. A few storms could become
  severe.

- Warm temperatures through Friday will give way to cooler and
  drier conditions this weekend.

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 218 PM EDT Thu May 15 2025

High end severe threat (all hazards) remains in play this evening
into the early overnight (8p-2a EDT) as any convection along an
incoming dryline will have 35-40 knots of deep layer shear and 2000-
3000 j/kg of MLCAPE to work with. The low level jet also increases
this evening with 0-3 km storm-related helicity pushing 250-300
m2/s2 for a tornado threat. There will also be sufficient CAPE in
the hail growth zone/EML with supercells for large hail, with any
organization into segments supporting a wind damage threat mid-late
evening.

Expectations are still for convective initiation (scattered discrete
supercells) in ne IL between 21-00z, likely congealing into
quasi-linear segments or clusters with eastward progression
into the local area thereafter. Capping at the base of an EML,
and more favorable deep ascent and low level convergence lifting
through WI and MI, brings into question storm evolution/chances
for areas south of the US 30 corridor. Much higher confidence
in strong to severe storms breaking through the cap and tracking
east through northern zones as weak height falls/cooling aloft
clips the lower Great Lakes.

Drier air briefly filters in behind the front later tonight into
most of the day Friday with highs once again well into the 80s.
Moisture does return northward late Friday into Friday evening in
advance of a secondary cold front and mid level shortwave (70-80 kt
500 mb jet) arriving from the Mid MS Valley. This should be enough
to generate a round of showers and storms mainly Friday evening with
deep forcing, moisture quality, and deep layer shear magnitudes
favorable for scattered strong to severe storms. Instability
magnitudes are lacking when compared to this evening however with
the primary moisture/instability reservoir likely suppressed closer
to the OH River. Dry air on leading edge with a sub-cloud inverted-V
profile and high DCAPE values may support good downdraft potential
and localized wind damage if more robust cells develop, along with a
hail threat given lingering steep mid level rates.

Dry and cooler weather will filter in behind Friday night's wave in
time for the weekend, with Saturday also breezy. Rain chances
eventually return toward the middle of as the next western CONUS
upper trough slows or cut-off over the Midwest.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z FRIDAY/...
Issued at 601 PM EDT Thu May 15 2025

Minimal changes needed for the 00Z TAFs. The forecast is in
great shape as we continue to monitor convection firing across
the northern half of Illinois. We are expecting storms to enter
Indiana around 00-01Z tonight and quickly move
east/northeast. Given moderate to strong instability and ample
shear, these storms will likely be strong to severe with a
potential of some large hail and thunderstorm wind gusts in
excess of 45 to 50 knots. A few tornadoes are also possible.
Ceilings remain VFR for now but will likely drop to MVFR this
evening as clouds increase and storms move through the area.
Thinking 01-04Z is the best timing for storms at KSBN and 03-05Z
at KFWA. Storms depart by 06Z, with decreasing winds and partly
cloudy skies ahead for the overnight hours. Tomorrow, southerly
winds will once again increase, with gusts to 20 to 25 knots.
Storms are possible Friday afternoon, with the best chances
south of US 24.

&&

.IWX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
IN...None.
OH...None.
MI...None.
MARINE...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...Steinwedel
AVIATION...Johnson
Hazardous weather outlook, May 15, 2:29 PM EDT, 8 hours 59 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook...UPDATED
National Weather Service Northern Indiana
229 PM EDT Thu May 15 2025

INZ005>009-012>015-017-018-020-022>027-032>034-103-104-116-203-204-
216-MIZ078>081-177-277-OHZ001-002-004-005-015-016-024-025-161830-
Elkhart-Lagrange-Steuben-Noble-De Kalb-Starke-Pulaski-Marshall-
Fulton IN-Whitley-Allen IN-White-Cass IN-Miami-Wabash-Huntington-
Wells-Adams-Grant-Blackford-Jay-Northern La Porte-
Eastern St. Joseph IN-Northern Kosciusko-Southern La Porte-
Western St. Joseph IN-Southern Kosciusko-Cass MI-St. Joseph MI-
Branch-Hillsdale-Northern Berrien-Southern Berrien-Williams-
Fulton OH-Defiance-Henry-Paulding-Putnam-Van Wert-Allen OH-
229 PM EDT Thu May 15 2025 /129 PM CDT Thu May 15 2025/

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for northern Indiana, southwest
Michigan and northwest Ohio.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Severe thunderstorms are likely this evening into the early
overnight, mainly between 8 pm and 2 am EDT. All hazards will be
possible.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

There is a risk for severe thunderstorms late Friday afternoon into
Friday evening.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotters will likely be need this evening into the early overnight.

LMZ043-046-161830-
New Buffalo MI to St Joseph MI-Michigan City IN to New Buffalo MI-
229 PM EDT Thu May 15 2025

This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for the nearshore waters of
southeastern Lake Michigan.

.DAY ONE...This afternoon and tonight.

Severe thunderstorms are expected this evening. Storm-force wind
gusts near 50 knots are possible along with large hail.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Friday through Wednesday.

Southerly wind gusts to 25 knots midday Friday may be hazardous to
small craft. Additional thunderstorms are possible Friday evening.

In the hours before

Local storm report, May 15, 10:16 PM EDT, 1 hour 12 minutes before
<!doctype html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="utf-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
  <title>Service Notice</title>
  <link rel="stylesheet" href="index.css">
</head>
<body>
  <main class="wrap">
    <section class="card" role="status" aria-live="polite">
      <div class="status" id="status">Temporary Notice</div>
      <h1 id="headline">This service is currently unavailable.</h1>
      <p id="message1">
        The site you requested is temporarily down for maintenance or an unexpected outage.
      </p>
      <p id="message2">
        Please try again in a few minutes.
      </p>
      <p class="small" id="detail">
        If you are an administrator, restore upstream service and remove the redirect/fallback rule when normal operations resume.
      </p>
    </section>
  </main>
  <script src="index.js"></script>
</body>
</html>
Local storm report, May 15, 10:17 PM EDT, 1 hour 11 minutes before
<!doctype html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="utf-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
  <title>Service Notice</title>
  <link rel="stylesheet" href="index.css">
</head>
<body>
  <main class="wrap">
    <section class="card" role="status" aria-live="polite">
      <div class="status" id="status">Temporary Notice</div>
      <h1 id="headline">This service is currently unavailable.</h1>
      <p id="message1">
        The site you requested is temporarily down for maintenance or an unexpected outage.
      </p>
      <p id="message2">
        Please try again in a few minutes.
      </p>
      <p class="small" id="detail">
        If you are an administrator, restore upstream service and remove the redirect/fallback rule when normal operations resume.
      </p>
    </section>
  </main>
  <script src="index.js"></script>
</body>
</html>
Local storm report, May 15, 10:33 PM EDT, 55 minutes before
<!doctype html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="utf-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
  <title>Service Notice</title>
  <link rel="stylesheet" href="index.css">
</head>
<body>
  <main class="wrap">
    <section class="card" role="status" aria-live="polite">
      <div class="status" id="status">Temporary Notice</div>
      <h1 id="headline">This service is currently unavailable.</h1>
      <p id="message1">
        The site you requested is temporarily down for maintenance or an unexpected outage.
      </p>
      <p id="message2">
        Please try again in a few minutes.
      </p>
      <p class="small" id="detail">
        If you are an administrator, restore upstream service and remove the redirect/fallback rule when normal operations resume.
      </p>
    </section>
  </main>
  <script src="index.js"></script>
</body>
</html>
Local storm report, May 15, 10:40 PM EDT, 48 minutes before
<!doctype html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="utf-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
  <title>Service Notice</title>
  <link rel="stylesheet" href="index.css">
</head>
<body>
  <main class="wrap">
    <section class="card" role="status" aria-live="polite">
      <div class="status" id="status">Temporary Notice</div>
      <h1 id="headline">This service is currently unavailable.</h1>
      <p id="message1">
        The site you requested is temporarily down for maintenance or an unexpected outage.
      </p>
      <p id="message2">
        Please try again in a few minutes.
      </p>
      <p class="small" id="detail">
        If you are an administrator, restore upstream service and remove the redirect/fallback rule when normal operations resume.
      </p>
    </section>
  </main>
  <script src="index.js"></script>
</body>
</html>
Special weather statement, May 15, 11:03 PM EDT, 25 minutes before
<!doctype html>
<html lang="en">
<head>
  <meta charset="utf-8">
  <meta name="viewport" content="width=device-width, initial-scale=1">
  <title>Service Notice</title>
  <link rel="stylesheet" href="index.css">
</head>
<body>
  <main class="wrap">
    <section class="card" role="status" aria-live="polite">
      <div class="status" id="status">Temporary Notice</div>
      <h1 id="headline">This service is currently unavailable.</h1>
      <p id="message1">
        The site you requested is temporarily down for maintenance or an unexpected outage.
      </p>
      <p id="message2">
        Please try again in a few minutes.
      </p>
      <p class="small" id="detail">
        If you are an administrator, restore upstream service and remove the redirect/fallback rule when normal operations resume.
      </p>
    </section>
  </main>
  <script src="index.js"></script>
</body>
</html>

The office that day

Everything else NWS Northern Indiana issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
May 15, 9:15 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningIWX90 min
May 15, 9:57 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningIWXLaPorte, Saint Joseph34 min
May 15, 11:03 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementIWXElkhart, Saint Joseph42 min
May 15, 11:48 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementIWXLaGrange42 min
May 16, 9:59 AM EDTSmall Craft AdvisoryIWX31 hr
May 16, 6:28 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningIWXWhite51 min
May 16, 6:46 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningIWXCass, Miami59 min
May 16, 7:10 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningIWXFulton, Miami, Pulaski, Wabash65 min
May 16, 7:23 PM EDTBlowing Dust AdvisoryIWXAdams, Allen, Blackford, Cass, DeKalb, Elkhart and 18 more3 hr
May 16, 7:29 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningIWXHuntington, Kosciusko, Marshall, Whitley46 min
May 16, 7:31 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningIWX89 min
May 16, 7:41 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningIWXAdams, Blackford, Grant, Huntington, Jay, Wells64 min
May 16, 7:52 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningIWXAllen, DeKalb, Huntington, Noble, Whitley53 min
May 15, 9:53 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatIWXBerrien, Cass67 min
May 15, 10:54 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningIWXCass, Saint Joseph36 min
May 16, 12:15 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementIWXBranch, Hillsdale60 min

Nearby

Severe Thunderstorm Warnings in Michigan, 2025Every severe thunderstorm warning in 2025

Sources

The product and its follow-ups from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service and Storm Prediction Center text; the sounding from the Mesonet's radiosonde archive; radar from the NEXRAD Level II archive.