Berrien County residents are being urged to hunker down last night as forecasters call for damaging thunderstorms and howling winds capable of snapping big tree limbs and yanking unsecured items across yards. Emergency officials say the strongest cells could knock out power, cause localized structural damage and make travel along key routes a risky proposition.
As first reported by MLive, the National Weather Service issued a severe thunderstorm warning for parts of Berrien County on Friday, while a tornado watch was expected to remain in place into the early hours of April 18. The outlet noted that forecasters were calling for wind gusts up to 60 mph along the main line of storms and listed communities in the watch area that include Michigan City and La Porte.
What the National Weather Service warned
According to the National Weather Service, the storms were tracking east at roughly 55 mph and were capable of producing damage to roofs, siding, and trees. Forecasters cautioned that the line of thunderstorms could unleash destructive straight-line winds and frequent lightning, and they urged residents to keep an eye on the latest updates. Meteorologists also reminded people to be ready to move to shelter quickly if conditions start to go south.
Travel and highway impacts
Warnings highlighted potential trouble on major highways, with MLive pointing to stretches of I-94 in Michigan and sections of I-80/I-94 in northern Indiana where drivers could run into strong crosswinds, scattered debris and sudden downpours. Motorists were told to brace for reduced visibility and the possibility of fallen branches blocking lanes or damaging vehicles. Local authorities advised putting off nonessential trips and giving emergency responders plenty of space to deal with outages and roadway hazards.
How to stay safe
The National Weather Service’s guidance is straightforward: get inside a sturdy building, stay away from windows and bring in or secure outdoor furniture and equipment before the storms arrive. Officials also recommend steering clear of flooded roads, keeping phones charged with alerts enabled and having a battery-powered radio on hand if possible. After the worst has passed, residents are urged to report downed power lines and visible damage to authorities and to avoid standing water until crews say it is safe.
