GRAND RAPIDS (WOOD-AM) - The National Weather Service is launching its severe thunderstorm alert system next month.
Meteorologist Heather Orow tells WOOD-TV that it would be activated when forecasters see a storm that could knock down trees, damage homes or produce 80 mph winds or baseball-sized hail.
"Especially here in Michigan, most of our damage, death and destruction are actually caused by severe thunderstorms," Orow said.
Orow says you'll see the alerts on your phone if wireless emergency communications are enabled.
More at WOOD-TV.