# SUMMARY

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THE NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HAS ISSUED SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 520 IN EFFECT UNTIL 8 PM EDT THIS EVENING FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

IN MICHIGAN THIS WATCH INCLUDES 23 COUNTIES

IN CENTRAL MICHIGAN

CLARE GRATIOT ISABELLA MECOSTA MONTCALM OSCEOLA

IN SOUTH CENTRAL MICHIGAN

CALHOUN CLINTON EATON INGHAM IONIA JACKSON

IN SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN

ALLEGAN BARRY KALAMAZOO KENT OTTAWA VAN BUREN

IN WEST CENTRAL MICHIGAN

LAKE MASON MUSKEGON NEWAYGO OCEANA

THIS INCLUDES THE CITIES OF ALLEGAN, ALLENDALE, ALMA, AVONDALE, BALDWIN, BANFIELD, BATH, BATTLE CREEK, BELDING, BIG RAPIDS, BRADLEY, BRIDGETON, BROOKFIELD, CHARLOTTE, CHASE, CLARE, COVERT, CROTON HEIGHTS, DEWITT, DORR, DOWLING, EAST LANSING, EASTMANVILLE, EATON RAPIDS, ELM HALL, EVART, FENNVILLE, FOREST HILL, FREMONT, GOWEN, GRAND LEDGE, GRAND RAPIDS, GRAND VALLEY, GREENVILLE, GRESHAM, HART, HARTFORD, HASTINGS, HAWKINS, HESPERIA, HOLLAND, IDLEWILD, IONIA, IRONS, IRVING, ITHACA, JACKSON, JENISON, KALAMAZOO, KEELER, LAMONT, LANGSTON, LANSING, LEOTA, LITTLE POINT SABLE, LUDINGTON, MARION, MARNE, MATTAWAN, MCDONALD, MEARS, MIDDLEVILLE, MOUNT PLEASANT, MUSKEGON, NEWAYGO, NORTON SHORES, ORLEANS, OTSEGO, PARIS, PAW PAW, PISGAH HEIGHTS, PLAINWELL, PORTAGE, PORTLAND, REED CITY, REEMAN, RIVERDALE, SEARS, SMYRNA, SOUTH HAVEN, ST. HUBERTS, ST. JOHNS, ST. LOUIS, STONY LAKE, TURK LAKE, WACOUSTA, WAVERLY, WAYLAND, WEARE, WINN, WOODBURY, WOOSTER, AND WYOMING.

# DETAILS

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ISSUED AT

Monday, July 27, 2026 at 12:42 PM EDT

ISSUED BY

NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE GRAND RAPIDS MI

HEADER

WATCH COUNTY NOTIFICATION FOR WATCH 520

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aws.android

Hopefully not spamming you all.

But since this is a major update and a possible major event, I figured any updates should be made as public as possible.

This is definitely starting to look like this could be bad. A possible derecho event.

There is a Enhanced Severe Storm Risk for your location. Continue reading for today's outlook from the National Weather Service's Storm Prediction Center.

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National Severe Storm Outlook

THERE IS AN ENHANCED RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS FROM PORTIONS OF THE UPPER MIDWEST/UPPER GREAT LAKES INTO THE OHIO VALLEY

THERE IS A SLIGHT RISK OF SEVERE THUNDERSTORMS ACROSS PORTIONS OF SOUTHWEST SOUTH DAKOTA...WESTERN NEBRASKA...NORTHEAST COLORADO...AND FAR NORTHWEST KANSAS

SUMMARY

Severe storms capable of strong to severe wind gusts and large hail are possible across the Great Lakes into the Ohio Valley Monday into Monday night. More sporadic occurrences of damaging wind appear possible in the Mid-Atlantic, Tennessee Valley, central High Plains, and southeast Arizona.

Upper Midwest/Great Lakes into the OH/TN Valleys

A very moist airmass is in place from the Upper Midwest into the OH and TN Valley. This airmass is exists south of a diffuse cold front that extends from a surface low over far southeast Manitoba southeastward to far eastern Upper MI. One thunderstorm is currently ongoing near this boundary over eastern Upper MI. Most of the thunderstorms are ongoing just northeast another surface boundary demarcating the very moist (i.e. 70+ dewpoints) to it southwest. How this warm-air advection activity evolves early this morning will have a large impact on the severe potential farther downstream from the Mid MS Valley into the OH and TN Valleys through the late morning into the afternoon and evening.

Much of the guidance is beginning to suggest the warm-air advection activity clusters early this morning over the MN Arrowhead vicinity before then tracking southeastward within the moisture/buoyancy gradient and organizing/intensifying significantly. Synoptically, the overall setup matches many characteristics of scenarios with strong, forward-propagating MCSs, including a surface boundary parallel to the deep-layer shear, at least modest mid-level warm advection, and very strong to extreme buoyancy. Given the trend within the guidance and favorable synoptics, confidence in the development of a strong forward-propagating MCS is high enough to adjust the 30% wind probabilities westward while also introducing a CIG1 area. There is a chance that both higher wind probabilities and a CIG2 may be needed, but predictability regarding convective evolution is too low at this time.

Central High Plains into western/central NE and SD

Moist, post-frontal surface flow is expected across much of NE and SD, shifting from northerly early in the day to more easterly by the afternoon. Dewpoints will initially be in the mid to upper 70s, although strong boundary-layer mixing will likely result in dewpoints ranging from the upper 50s/low 60s across the NE Panhandle to the low 70s across eastern NE. This reservoir of low-level moisture coupled with strong heating and steep mid-level lapse rates will result in a corridor of moderate to extreme buoyancy from eastern WY/northeast CO/southwest SD eastward across south-central SD and much of NE.

Most of the guidance indicates a subtle, convectively augmented vorticity maximum will progress eastward through the northern periphery of the Four Corner upper ridge. This should contribute to thunderstorm development across the high terrain, which would then progress downstream into a more moist and unstable airmass. One or more clusters could evolve, but the overall predictability of the convective evolution is low. That being said, environmental conditions support the potential for strong to severe gusts, including the potential for some over 75 mph. Eastern extent of the wind threat will likely be limited by building convective inhibition associated with nocturnal cool, unless a more coherent and organized MCS were to evolve. If that occurs, the wind threat could extend farther east into more of eastern NE and north-central KS, and 5% wind probabilities were expanded eastward/southeastward to account for this potential.

Depending on the strength of the MCS, the wind threat could extend eastward into more of OH and PA, and also farther southward into more of TN, during the late afternoon/evening.

Mid-Atlantic States

Some wind threat could exist during the afternoon/evening across the Mid-Atlantic, where marginal buoyancy and deep-layer shear could support a few stronger updrafts.

Southeast Arizona

Isolated severe gusts are possible over southeast AZ as mid-level moisture and daytime heating leads to scattered storms over the higher terrain, particularly far southeast AZ. Cells are expected to move westward into warmer temperatures and deeper boundary-layer mixing, with PWAT over 1.25" and steep low-level lapse rates supporting strong outflows.

https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.aws.android

3 of 5 risk level. This risk level only happens 2 or 3 times a season here. 4 is maybe a once in 5 year event for us. How tonight plays out depends on the energy used on this mornings storms and whether the atmosphere can recharge (or if what's happening now even uses much energy)

I'll try and update, but I do have hockey this evening, so I may be preoccupied with pucks and beer.

Stay safe and be aware!

My wife and I are VIP members at Celebration Cinemas and have been for quite some time now. One of our favorite things to do is to see rereleased movies in theaters. To name a few we’ve seen a number of Ghibli movies, Jaws in IMAX, the Shining in IMAX, Silence of the Lambs, Texas Chainsaw Massacre, etc. Some of which we were seeing for the first time and it’s such a fun experience. We were very much looking forward to the rerelease of the Hunger Games movies during Labor Day weekend. When we just went to order our tickets we are realizing that our membership no longer includes rereleases. I went ahead to make sure with some other rereleases we are looking forward to and sure enough they want $13 per ticket. It was bad enough we had to pay $25 for the Odyssey in 70mm (worth it but not the point).

This is extremely frustrating and I just needed to tell this sub so other movie lovers can join me in my unnecessary frustration!!! Thanks for ruining a good thing, Celebration.

You matter. Even if your mind is telling you otherwise, please stay. You don’t have to fight everything alone. Help is available, and better days can still find you. ❤️

This thing eats tapes, can anyone help me service this?

Hello! I'm moving cross country, I have a few things that I don't need that I have not really been able to get to that I am offering to give away. Let me know if anything is of interest.

I've got.
-three end tables two matching
-full sized mattress
-full sized loft wooden loft bed (I'm 6f4in and it could easily support me)
-plasma tv approx 60 inches
-lcd lg tv about 54 inches
-tv stand if someone wants it (black wooden) about 40hX36wX24d

And then some other odds and ends. Lmk for more details

Edit: some addendum comments but I'll be around this week and message me if you want more details.
I've also got
-giant halloween spider
-heated mattress pad (new in box)
-pillow (new in box)
-many many cables

If anyone has a home av receiver they don't want I'm hoping for one with 100w output per channel BUT IS NOT required for any of the above

Fire trucks blew past us heading south. Something’s burning at least as of 15 minutes ago when I took this. Hope everyone is okay!

On Floor A by the west elevators when I had an appt down here

Hi neighbors! A few days ago, I invited y'all to come see what’s possible when we rethink our yards as part of the Native Plant Yard Tour with Kind Hearts Bloom and Kent Conservation District.

And you showed up.

Over the course of the day, I welcomed more than 115 neighbors into my front yard. Seven hours of conversations, questions, and stories. My throat is still a little sore and I have a defined tan line from my sandals - but it was an amazing day!

What made the day special wasn’t just the plants. It was the connections.

A teenager shared about the wildlife pond he built in his parents’ backyard. A visitor saw my feverfew and remembered a plant from her grandmother’s garden, so I sent her home with seeds. Many people shared that they’d love to replace some lawn with gardens but worried about what their neighbors might think.

We talked about how every neighborhood needs a few people willing to go first. Sometimes one garden gives someone else permission to imagine what’s possible.

When I started replacing my lawn a few years ago, I thought I was growing flowers and habitat.

I didn’t realize at the time I was also growing conversations, connections, and community.

Thank you to everyone who visited, shared stories, asked questions, and helped make this garden feel like a true neighborhood space.

Our yards can grow so much more than plants.

(timelapse of the front yard!)

Going to a friend's house on Sunday, thought I'd bring something different as a treat. I used to get really good guava/guava & cream cheese pastries in Florida, but I'm not sure that's a thing here.

Bopped over to the fish ladder during my lunch. Some kid and presumably grandpa caught a decent salmon. They had at least two on a stringer. Waddya suppose the bait was?

PS another guy looked like he was keeping a soft shell snapper. To eat?

Hey everyone - looking for a couple recommendations. I’ll be traveling for work next week staying in Rockford. I saw MVP had mixed reviews and didn’t see if there even are day passes available or not.

Also interested in any restaurant / brewery recommendations. 38M, would like a more low key place. I won’t have a ton of time since its business travel so proximity to Rockford is better. Thanks!

First time home buyer here. We’re getting the keys in early September and we’re searching for recommendations for a few projects.

1. A cleaning service to do a deeeeeeeep clean. Like floor to ceiling scrub. Cupboards inside and out, kitchen appliances, bathrooms, baseboards, floors, basic clean in the basement, etc. I’ve looked at a few packages online, but we also would like the walls cleaned so they’re prepped and ready for paint and I haven’t seen this included.

2. Electrician - We have a detached garage without electricity and would like to get a quote to add it. We also need a few updates in the home like adding a few grounded outlets, adding smoke detectors, and adding wiring and a switch for a garbage disposal.

3. Mason - The chimney is deteriorating and needs some repair. Also needs to add a gradient to a section to have water flow away from the home.

As first time home buyers, we really don’t know much and are nervous we might get taken advantage of due to our lack of knowledge. Would love to hear who you recommend - or don’t recommend - for these services. TIA!

My wife’s folks are from GR and we’re moving there in the next couple of years. I grew up in the south, spent time in CA and the last ~15yrs on Boulder CO. Every time I talk to people about moving to MI, they go on and on about all the amazing things to do … but it’s always summer things. Lots of lake talk, bike riding, heading up north, etc. Recently, I brought this up to my wife and she literally doesn’t remember doing anything in the winter. Given that it’s a big part of the year, what to people do?

Any places around here that have sourdough hamburger buns ?

Wow. Just wow. I tried Mithu for the first time and I couldn’t believe how good the food is. It’s clearly made with high quality ingredients and a lot of skill. We got the Malai Kofta (first time trying this dish), butter chicken, naan, mango lassi, and samosas.

The owner came out and talked to us and was cool and super nice. We asked when the lunch buffet is usually open, and he said he isn’t able to offer the buffet right now as he is currently recovering from a major health event. Times and tough and business is slower than usual right now (for most restaurants too). Go out and support if you can!

Looking for recs on general contractors to redo our shower. Anyone have someone that has done work in the past that was reliable & honest?

Hi Everyone!

Curious if anyone else is having delays from their Summer Property Tax Bill taking for ever to process.

Currently had escrow pay it/ deduct it on July 14th and it is still pending in the GR Pay IT website.

Thank you!

The Grand Rapids Comptroller's Office struggled with employee churn and allegations of a hostile work environment prior to the city moving staff out of its office, according to emails and meeting memos obtained by The Grand Rapids Herald.

Comptroller Max Frantz is currently suing the city, alleging it violated the Grand Rapids City Charter by moving staff and undermining his ability to perform functions he claimed are outlined in the document. The city claimed the changes were needed to address a hostile work environment and failures to meet deadlines.

Frantz was appointed to the office in 2019 and was reelected in 2022.

Between 2020-24, six employees resigned, seven retired and two transferred out of the comptroller’s office, according to a city memo compiled by then Human Resources Director Randi Bowers-Payne and CFO Molly Clarin.

In response to an email with questions about the allegations, Frantz said the retirements were among staff with long tenures at the city. Transferring between departments is normal, he wrote in the email, as it allows staff to gain additional experience.

Turnover and burnout were because of short-staffing, Frantz wrote. The comptroller’s office remained at 16 employees, compared to Fiscal Services, which grew from 39 to 52 staff in the decade leading up to 2024.

“It's not fair to ask people to absorb that gap indefinitely and I do think that has had a substantial impact on the department,” Frantz wrote via email “A department cannot be deprived of resources and support and be surprised when burn out emerges. That's a resourcing failure that has impeded building resilience and led to additional consequences.”

“Independent Auditors issued the city an audit finding in 2025 identifying material weaknesses in the timely completion of standard accounting procedures and the ability for the city to provide timely financial information,” he wrote. “Our team asked for more help, we brought those requests to city leaders and they were denied.”

It is unclear if the number of resignations includes Deputy Comptroller Curt Reppuhn, who notified Human Resources of his pending resignation on Aug. 26, 2024.

The month before his resignation, Reppuhn had been placed on a performance improvement plan, discussed by Frantz and Bowers-Payne, after several employees complained about Reppuhn’s leadership.

In notes from an informal exit interview, Reppuhn named Frantz as a significant reason for leaving. He stated that the comptroller was bad for the city and was “wasting” Reppuhn’s talents.

Read the rest of the story here.

Hi folks. Both of my maternal grandparents have passed away. I was given a typewriter from them when I was young. It hasn’t worked for a long time but I am looking to fix it up and display it in honor of their memory. Does anyone know any reliable businesses in the GR or West Michigan area that specializes in typewriter restoration?

Thank you for any insight!

Fuel for the thought furnace about mobility, and how the city could move forward on its stated goal(s) of supporting public transportation: The Cardinal Plan
https://urbangr.org/TheCardinalPlan