Forecast: Torrential rain, 50 mph winds and hail possible in Lansing area

LANSING – Lansing-area residents are being told to watch for powerful afternoon storms Monday that could cause torrential rainfall, gusting winds up to 50 mph and hail.

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids Monday afternoon said showers and thunderstorms could develop across southwest and lower Michigan throughout the afternoon. The NWS said while some areas might not see any storms, which are predicted to be brief, there is the potential for lighting, penny-sized hail, up to 50 mph wind gusts and downpours.

Wayne Hoepner, a forecaster with the NWS in Grand Rapids, said thunderstorms are likely in the area east of Interstate-131 but it is “not really likely” for serious weather.

The forecasts are calling for potential torrential downpours that could cause ponding and flooding in some areas, Hoepner said. Roadways will likely be most susceptible to localized flooding, Hoepner said, but the water should quickly subside.

“It could be dangerous right after it happens,” Hoepner said.

The potential for storms could linger into Monday night, Hoepner said.

On Tuesday, Hoepner said residents is southern Michigan could see some remnants of Hurricane Barry pass through. Hoepner said the storm system is moving north now but will likely shift to the east as it nears Michigan.

Contact reporter Craig Lyons at 517-377-1047 or calyons@lsj.com. Follow him on Twitter @craigalyons.