Alert archive / Michigan / Tornado Warnings in 2026

Tornado Warning 9, NWS Grand Rapids, MI

April 14, 2026Kent County, Michigan

NWS Grand Rapids, MI issued this tornado warning at Apr 14, 2026, 10:51 PM EDT for Kent County, Michigan. It was in force for 24 min. 3 reports came from inside the area while it was in force.

The area

The outline as issued, with what was reported inside it.

The facts

Issued
Apr 14, 2026, 10:51 PM EDT (02:51 UTC)
Expired
Apr 14, 2026, 11:15 PM EDT
In force
24 min
Issued by
NWS Grand Rapids, MI
Area
Storm-based polygon
Tornado
Radar indicated
Hail
0.75 in

County Kent County, MI

The radar

The Grand Rapids radar (KGRR), 10 km from the middle of the area, began a volume at 02:53 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.

What was reported inside it

TimeReportWhereRemark
Apr 14, 10:57 PM EDTTSTM WND GST 812 Ssw Cascade, MIASOS station KGRR Gerald R Ford Intl.
Apr 14, 10:58 PM EDTTSTM WND DMG2 Nne Alaska, MIA surge of thunderstorm winds occurred from the Grand Rapids airport southeast through the Whitneyville area, where a large tree fell on a house, doing extensive damage. Time estimated from radar and the Grand Rapids ASOS, where a peak wind gust of 81 mph was
Apr 14, 11:00 PM EDTTSTM WND DMGAlto, MITree on house in the Alto area. Time and location approximate.

Local storm reports filed while the alert was in force, from inside its polygon or its counties.

Did it verify

Not verified. The Iowa Environmental Mesonet's Cow found no qualifying storm report inside this tornado warning while it was in force. That is not proof nothing happened: reports are thin where few people live.

Cow counts a report within 15 km of the polygon while the warning was in force: a tornado for a tornado warning; hail of 1 inch or more, a gust of 58 mph or more or wind damage for a severe thunderstorm warning; a flash flood report for a flash flood warning.

The watch it was issued in

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

IssuedProductOfficeLasted
Apr 14, 8:54 PM EDTTornado WatchSPC6 hr

The nearest sounding before it

Detroit, MI (KDTX), launched 00:00Z, 2.9 hours before the alert went out and 166 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 2026-04-15Temperature and dew point through the depth of the atmosphere, with the mixed-layer parcel. CAPE 421 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 2026-04-15The wind through the lowest 10 kilometers. Zero to 1 km storm-relative helicity 73 square meters per square second.1939587897Sfc1 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
421 J/kg
Mixed-layer CIN
-24 J/kg
Mixed-layer LCL
1563 m above ground
0-6 km bulk shear
50 kt
0-1 km storm-relative helicity
73 m²/s²
0-3 km storm-relative helicity
153 m²/s²
Significant tornado parameter
0.1
Supercell composite
1.4

Open this sounding in Storm Lab

The text

As transmitted.

443 
WFUS53 KGRR 150251
TORGRR
MIC081-150315-
/O.NEW.KGRR.TO.W.0009.260415T0251Z-260415T0315Z/

BULLETIN - EAS ACTIVATION REQUESTED
Tornado Warning
National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI
1051 PM EDT Tue Apr 14 2026

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids has issued a

* Tornado Warning for...
  Southeastern Kent County in southwestern Michigan...

* Until 1115 PM EDT.

* At 1051 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a
  tornado was located over Gerald R. Ford International Airport, or
  10 miles southeast of Grand Rapids, moving east at 40 mph.

  HAZARD...Tornado.

  SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

  IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
           shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. 
           Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree 
           damage is likely.

* This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
  southeastern Kent County, including the following locations...
  Alaska, Alto, and Cascade.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

&&

LAT...LON 4278 8556 4294 8550 4294 8531 4277 8531
      4277 8549
TIME...MOT...LOC 0251Z 279DEG 36KT 4288 8549 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

CAS
2 follow-up statements
374 
WWUS53 KGRR 150304
SVSGRR

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI
1104 PM EDT Tue Apr 14 2026

MIC081-150315-
/O.CON.KGRR.TO.W.0009.000000T0000Z-260415T0315Z/
Kent MI-
1104 PM EDT Tue Apr 14 2026

...A TORNADO WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT UNTIL 1115 PM EDT FOR
SOUTHEASTERN KENT COUNTY...

At 1104 PM EDT, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado
was located near Freeport, or 11 miles north of Hastings, moving
southeast at 35 mph.

HAZARD...Tornado.

SOURCE...Radar indicated rotation.

IMPACT...Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without 
         shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage 
         to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur.  Tree damage is 
         likely.

This tornadic thunderstorm will remain over mainly rural areas of
southeastern Kent County.

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest
floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a
mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter
and protect yourself from flying debris.

Tornadoes are extremely difficult to see and confirm at night. Do not
wait to see or hear the tornado. TAKE COVER NOW!

&&

LAT...LON 4279 8545 4284 8540 4285 8531 4277 8531
      4277 8544
TIME...MOT...LOC 0304Z 301DEG 31KT 4281 8536 

TORNADO...RADAR INDICATED
MAX HAIL SIZE...<.75 IN

$$

NJJ
852 
WWUS53 KGRR 150310
SVSGRR

Severe Weather Statement
National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI
1110 PM EDT Tue Apr 14 2026

MIC081-150320-
/O.EXP.KGRR.TO.W.0009.000000T0000Z-260415T0315Z/
Kent MI-
1110 PM EDT Tue Apr 14 2026

...THE TORNADO WARNING FOR SOUTHEASTERN KENT COUNTY WILL EXPIRE AT
1115 PM EDT...

The storm which prompted the warning has weakened below severe
limits, and has exited the warned area. Therefore, the warning will
be allowed to expire.  However, heavy rain is still possible with
this thunderstorm.

A Tornado Watch remains in effect until 400 AM EDT for south central
and southwestern Michigan.

LAT...LON 4279 8545 4284 8540 4285 8531 4277 8531
      4277 8544
TIME...MOT...LOC 0310Z 279DEG 36KT 4280 8529 

$$

NJJ

What forecasters said that day

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

NWS Grand Rapids, MI wrote its last area forecast discussion before this tornado warning went out at Apr 14, 7:56 PM EDT, 2 hours 55 minutes earlier. Its key messages:

  • Risk for Severe Thunderstorms and Flooding Tonight
  • Continued Thunderstorms Chances Wednesday
  • Active Stretch of Weather Continues into Weekend
Area forecast discussion, Apr 14, 7:56 PM EDT, 2 hours 55 minutes before
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI
756 PM EDT Tue Apr 14 2026

.KEY MESSAGES...

- Risk for Severe Thunderstorms and Flooding Tonight

- Continued Thunderstorms Chances Wednesday

- Active Stretch of Weather Continues into Weekend

&&

.DISCUSSION...
Issued at 250 PM EDT Tue Apr 14 2026

- Risk for Severe Thunderstorms and Flooding Tonight

Severe thunderstorms with the risk of damaging winds, large hail,
tornadoes, and heavy rain expected largely between 7PM tonight to
4AM early Wednesday.

Significant clearing has occurred across the area allowing for
instability to build this afternoon. HREF is highlighting around
2000 J/kg of surface based cape largely along and south of I-96
with similar MUCAPE values extending further north. Upper level
divergence will be in play along with low level jet convergence as
it moves in between 7PM-10PM this evening. It is in this window
we expect storms to develop. Effective shear of around 40-50 knots
will aid in storms becoming more organized with 0-1km storm
relative helicity values of 200 m2/s2 largely along and south of
I-96 and mid level lapse rates around 7-8 C/km. With this setup
all hazards are in play. The highest risk for tornadoes will be
along and south of I-96 due the greater storm relative helicity
values and surface based CAPE. Storms may begin isolated before
congealing into a line that moves southeastward through the
state. Quick spin-up tornadoes and damaging winds will be
possible with the line.

Corfidi vectors may aid in some backbuilding behind storms this
evening which would increase the flooding potential. HREF highlights
local probability matched mean amounts of 2 to 4 inches in portions
of western, central, and southern Michigan. With these signals the
flood watch has been extended to the entire area.

- Continued Thunderstorms and Flooding Chances Wednesday

Conditional risk for severe thunderstorms Wednesday late Wednesday
afternoon into Wednesday night.

The low level jet should help sustain rain and thunderstorms into
Wednesday morning, especially for areas along and south of I-94. The
threat for severe thunderstorms later Wednesday will be directly
tied to if we are able to recover from the morning convection. If we
aren't able to recover enough, garden variety thunderstorms with
heavy rain are expected. If we are able to recover, damaging
winds and tornadoes will be possible. Mean HREF values currently
have surface based CAPE values improve to around 500 to 1000 J/kg.
Meanwhile minimum surface based CAPE values are 500 less than 500
J/kg and maximum values are 2000 J/kg or greater along and south
of I-96. This large spread points to the large uncertainty with
how tomorrow will play out.

However, with any rainfall, the flooding risk will continue due
to the already saturated conditions from the previous rounds of
rainfall. Check the HYDROLOGY section for more information.

- Active Stretch of Weather Continues into Weekend

An upper level low moves through the region Thursday, continuing
rain and thunderstorm chances into Thursday evening. Pressure
heights increase Thursday night into Friday, giving the area a
brief break in the rainfall. However, southwest flow returns
ahead of a deep trough, bringing rain and thunderstorm chances
back to the area Friday night into Saturday. There is a potential
for severe thunderstorms as well, which is outlined in the SPC day
5 outlook.

Colder air moves in behind the low Saturday with lows Saturday night
into Sunday dropping into the 30s. This could result in some snow
mixing in on the backside. Highs Sunday are only expected to be in
the 40s, and with breezy west to northwest winds, this will
probably keep wind chills in the upper 20s to 30s.

&&

.AVIATION /00Z TAFS THROUGH 00Z THURSDAY/...
Issued at 756 PM EDT Tue Apr 14 2026

Clusters of thunderstorms are beginning to move over western Lake
Michigan at the beginning of this TAF period. Based on storm
motion, the likely time of arrival at the MKG site will be between
0130z-0200z. Thunderstorm wind gusts in excess of 40 kts are
likely with this activity, and depending on storm strength it is
possible that 50 kt gusts or greater could occur at MKG and GRR
with this intial activity. Clusters of storms will likely congeal
into a line that will likely sweep across all terminals in the
02z-06z time frame. Periodic wind shear of around 40-50 kts at
2000 ft is possible especially early in the period. A more
prolonged rain event could set up especially from AZO to BTL and
JXN after the initial line of storms moves through (post 05z-06z)
and trends will need to be monitored for potentially a few hours
of rain with embedded TSRA.

&&

.MARINE...
Issued at 250 PM EDT Tue Apr 14 2026

Wave heights will continue to fall below Small Craft Advisory
conditions this afternoon, therefore the Advisory has been
cancelled. Dense fog is slowly clearing as well. Will keep the dense
fog advisory for now, but it could be cancelled early if conditions
continue to improve.

Thunderstorms are expected tonight with the potential for damaging
winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Higher waves will also be
possible with any thunderstorm. Thunderstorms will gradually taper
off in the southern zones Wednesday morning, but there is a chance
they could linger through the day. Otherwise thunderstorm chances
return late Wednesday afternoon into Wednesday night.

&&

.HYDROLOGY...
Issued at 250 PM EDT Tue Apr 14 2026

Bottom line: The most significant flood in recent years is likely
upcoming on the Muskegon River, with several locations expected to
pass Major flood stage.

Another 1-2 inches of rain fell last night, primarily in
upper/headwaters portions of the Muskegon River Watershed. This
joins the previous 2-5 inches of rain in the area that is all
finding its way toward the river. A significant and impactful flood
on the Muskegon River will be developing over the next few days,
with a crest expected in the Friday timeframe.

Meanwhile, additional rounds of heavy rain are expected to shift
south a bit starting today, with the Grand River basin the more
likely to be impacted. With 1-2" across a large area, and locally
3"+ bullseyes expected, we are expecting some localized flooding to
develop overnight tonight, especially if the thunderstorms track
over urban areas repeatedly. This will also eventually get the Grand
River water levels increasing again over the next few days.
Currently, this looks like we'll largely repeat the minor flooding
(on the Grand River and tributaries) that occurred in the last few
weeks. Further south, the Kalamazoo River has been a bit drier
lately, so no flooding is expected to develop there, though urban
and poor-drainage area flooding will definitely be possible over the
next day or two as the thunderstorms move through.

&&

.GRR WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MI...Flood Watch through late Thursday night for MIZ037>040-043>046-
     050>052.
     Flood Watch through late Thursday night for MIZ056>059-064>067-
     071>074.
MARINE...None.

&&

DISCUSSION...RAH
AVIATION...Hoving
MARINE...RAH
HYDROLOGY...AMD
Hazardous weather outlook, Apr 14, 2:53 PM EDT, 7 hours 58 minutes before
Hazardous Weather Outlook
National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI
253 PM EDT Tue Apr 14 2026

MIZ037>040-043>046-050>052-056>059-064>067-071>074-151900-
Mason-Lake-Osceola-Clare-Oceana-Newaygo-Mecosta-Isabella-Muskegon-
Montcalm-Gratiot-Ottawa-Kent-Ionia-Clinton-Allegan-Barry-Eaton-
Ingham-Van Buren-Kalamazoo-Calhoun-Jackson-
253 PM EDT Tue Apr 14 2026

This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of southwest Lower
Michigan.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

Thunderstorms are expected tonight with the potential for damaging
winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Have multiple ways to receive
warnings tonight.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

There is a marginal risk for severe storms Wednesday with
lingering thunderstorm chances Thursday. There is a potential for
severe thunderstorms Saturday.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will be needed tonight.

LMZ844>849-151900-
St Joseph to South Haven MI-South Haven to Holland MI-
Holland to Grand Haven MI-Grand Haven to Whitehall MI-
Whitehall to Pentwater MI-Pentwater to Manistee MI-
253 PM EDT Tue Apr 14 2026

This hazardous weather outlook is for the nearshore waters from
St Joseph to Manistee.

.DAY ONE...This Afternoon and Tonight

Dense fog north of Whitehall is possible.

Thunderstorms are expected tonight with the potential for damaging
winds, large hail, and tornadoes. Have multiple ways to receive
warnings tonight.

.DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday

There is a marginal risk for severe storms Wednesday with
lingering thunderstorm chances Thursday. There is a potential for
severe thunderstorms Saturday.

Small Craft Advisory conditions are possible this weekend.

.SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT...

Spotter activation will be needed tonight.

In the hours before

Special weather statement, Apr 14, 8:40 PM EDT, 2 hours 11 minutes before
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI
840 PM EDT Tue Apr 14 2026

MIZ043-044-050-150115-
Oceana MI-Muskegon MI-Newaygo MI-
840 PM EDT Tue Apr 14 2026

...A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of west central
Newaygo, northern Muskegon, and southeastern Oceana Counties through
915 PM EDT...

At 839 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Lakewood Club, or 14 miles north of Muskegon, moving northeast at 35
mph.

HAZARD...Wind gusts up to 50 mph and nickel size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
         unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
         possible.

Locations impacted include...
White Cloud...         Fremont...             Whitehall...
Montague...            Lakewood Club...       Hesperia...
Holton...              New Era...             Rothbury...
Brunswick...           Reeman...              Big Blue Lake...
St. Huberts...         Wooster...             Twin Lake...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.

&&

LAT...LON 4337 8640 4350 8647 4372 8599 4354 8576
      4339 8603
TIME...MOT...LOC 0039Z 233DEG 31KT 4344 8620

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.88 IN
MAX WIND GUST...50 MPH

CAS

The office that day

Everything else NWS Grand Rapids, MI issued on the same UTC day.

IssuedProductOfficeCountiesLasted
Apr 14, 8:40 PM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGRRMuskegon, Newaygo35 min
Apr 14, 8:48 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningGRR117 min
Apr 14, 9:17 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningGRRMuskegon, Newaygo, Ottawa88 min
Apr 14, 9:22 PM EDTAreal Flood WarningGRRMuskegon, Newaygo, Oceana6 hr
Apr 14, 9:54 PM EDTTornado WarningGRRMuskegon, Newaygo25 min
Apr 14, 9:55 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningGRRGratiot, Montcalm65 min
Apr 14, 10:01 PM EDTTornado WarningGRRMuskegon, Ottawa29 min
Apr 14, 10:03 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningGRRKent57 min
Apr 14, 10:09 PM EDTTornado WarningGRRMontcalm36 min
Apr 14, 10:16 PM EDTAreal Flood WarningGRRMecosta, Montcalm13 hr
Apr 14, 10:39 PM EDTSpecial Marine WarningGRR81 min
Apr 14, 10:49 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningGRRIonia56 min
Apr 14, 10:54 PM EDTTornado WarningGRRIonia, Montcalm13 min
Apr 14, 11:01 PM EDTTornado WarningGRRClinton, Gratiot44 min
Apr 14, 11:03 PM EDTTornado WarningGRRBarry, Ionia27 min
Apr 14, 11:12 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningGRRAllegan, Van Buren63 min
Apr 14, 11:14 PM EDTTornado WarningGRRClinton29 min
Apr 14, 11:17 PM EDTTornado WarningGRRGratiot28 min
Apr 14, 11:18 PM EDTAreal Flood WarningGRRGratiot12 hr
Apr 14, 11:27 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatGRRClinton30 min
Apr 14, 11:37 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningGRRBarry, Eaton83 min
Apr 14, 11:38 PM EDTTornado WarningGRRAllegan29 min
Apr 14, 11:51 PM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningGRRCalhoun, Kalamazoo84 min
Apr 14, 11:59 PM EDTTornado WarningGRRBarry35 min
Apr 15, 12:03 AM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningGRRVan Buren27 min
Apr 15, 12:09 AM EDTSevere Thunderstorm WarningGRRIngham66 min
Apr 15, 12:37 AM EDTSevere Thunderstorm Warning Considerable damage threatGRRJackson64 min
Apr 15, 12:44 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGRREaton, Ingham6 hr
Apr 15, 5:38 AM EDTSpecial Marine WarningGRR67 min
Apr 15, 6:05 AM EDTSpecial Weather StatementGRRAllegan55 min
Apr 15, 6:30 AM EDTAreal Flood AdvisoryGRRNewaygo, Oceana8 hr
Apr 15, 7:45 AM EDTRiver Flood WarningGRRClinton3 days
Apr 15, 10:08 AM EDTMarine Dense Fog AdvisoryGRR53 hr
Apr 15, 12:19 PM EDTRiver Flood WarningGRRKent5 hr
Apr 15, 12:19 PM EDTRiver Flood WarningGRRGratiot5 days
Apr 15, 12:19 PM EDTRiver Flood WarningGRRClinton21 days
Apr 15, 12:19 PM EDTRiver Flood WarningGRRKent21 days
Apr 15, 12:19 PM EDTRiver Flood WarningGRRIngham6 days
Apr 15, 12:19 PM EDTRiver Flood WarningGRRIngham6 days
Apr 15, 12:19 PM EDTRiver Flood WarningGRRIonia6 days
Apr 15, 12:19 PM EDTRiver Flood WarningGRRBarry21 days
Apr 15, 12:21 PM EDTRiver Flood WarningGRRKent4 days
Apr 15, 2:17 PM EDTFlash Flood WatchGRROceana5 days
Apr 15, 4:50 PM EDTRiver Flood WarningGRRMuskegon5 days

Nearby

Tornado Warnings in Michigan, 2026Every tornado warning in 2026Tornadoes in 2026

Sources

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