Severe Storms Rumble Through Mid Michigan

Thunderstorms moving over Mid Michigan in waves late Wednesday afternoon through Thursday brought high winds, large hail and heavy rain.  There were numerous reports of storm damage and flooding.  Among the reports, a 53 mph gust was measured in Lansing, large hail destroyed corn and wheat in fields near Charlotte, and more than two inches of rain fell in just a few hours in St. Johns and in Okemos, where many streets were under 3 to 5 inches of water.  In Coldwater, Hudson Street in the middle of town was at one time sitting under 10 inches of standing water.

The storms fired up ahead of a strong cold front which will bring a big change to the air in Mid Michigan today.  Temperatures will be several degrees cooler than yesterday with afternoon highs in the lower to middle 70s.  And, we'll see abundant sunshine by afternoon.  The tranquil weather pattern remains right through the holiday weekend; great news for all the Independence Day festivities planned in our area, and especially for the kickoff of Common Ground in Lansing.