GRAND RAPIDS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — The National Weather Service will soon launch an additional wireless alert system for severe thunderstorms in Michigan, and around the U.S.. It will join ones already in place that warn residents ahead of tornados or flash floods with loud noises on their mobile devices.
NOAA Meteorologist Heather Orow stells WOOD-TV this new alert system, which will kick off in early August, is especially important as West Michigan is in the middle of its typical severe weather season.
“Tornadoes are a fairly rare event, and yes, they are dangerous and it’s great to have the alerts pushed to cell phones. But in Michigan, most of the damage, death, and destruction is caused by severe thunderstorms. And those winds can often be stronger than that of a tornado.”
The alert would be triggered when dangerous storms are likely to produce wind speeds at least 80 mph or hail up to the size of baseballs.
You won’t have to sign up for the alerts as long as settings on your phone allow for wireless emergency communication.
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