A tornado watch has been issued across northern Illinois into southwest Lower Michigan and northwest Indiana. Intense severe weather is ongoing in Iowa and Illinois at 8:00 p.m. and heading east.

The Michigan counties in the tornado watch are Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Cass, Kalamazoo and Van Buren. The tornado watch extends to 2 a.m. here in Michigan.

There are several tornado warnings now with the severe thunderstorms just west of Michigan in northern Illinois. Our best model that has been able to forecast tornadic supercell thunderstorms a few times this summer is now forecasting a supercell storm will move into southwest Lower Michigan near midnight.

Here is that severe storm forecasting model and the radar forecast from it for late evening and overnight.

The severe situation is leaning much more toward a straightline wind event, but a few tornadoes are also possible. In the end, the more widespread threat will be significant straightline wind gusts.

The National Weather Service has used beefed up wording on the strength of the gusts saying numerous gusts between 70 mph and 90 mph are possible in the tornado watch area.

One good thing for southwest Michigan is we will be on the very tail end of the severe weather time period. The storms likely enter the southwest corner off Lake Michigan around 11 p.m give or take an hour. There is still enough instability expected then to support significant severe thunderstorms. Over the course of the few hours through 2 a.m. Tuesday the energy for damaging severe storms should wane and the storms weaken.

The National Weather Service wrote in the tornado watch that, “Thunderstorms are expected to evolve into one or more bow echoes from Iowa into northern Illinois this evening, with the potential to produce swaths of significant severe gusts up to 75-90 mph and several tornadoes with embedded circulations. The storms will spread into northwest Indiana and southwest Lower Michigan later tonight.”

Look for the severe thunderstorms to enter Michigan’s part of the tornado watch sometime between 10 p.m. and midnight. This would include Benton Harbor, Niles, Three Rivers, Kalamazoo and the rest of the very southwest corner of Michigan. Between midnight and 2 a.m. the storms should move along the I-94 corridor through Jackson, Ann Arbor and the Detroit area. During this time the storms should be weakening but still could be on the verge of severe.

If the storms are very severe when they hit your area move to the basement during the storms or go to the interior-most part of your house. Campers should not stay in your camper during these storms.

You can track the severe thunderstorms on these radars stretching from Illinois into southwest Michigan.

Keep updated with MLive here all through this round of severe weather.

Courtney Hawkins, Michigan State football’s wide receivers coach, brings a wealth of experience and passion to the team as he enters his fifth season in this pivotal role.

A former NFL player with nine seasons under his belt, Hawkins transitioned smoothly into coaching after concluding his professional playing career. Before joining Michigan State, he made a significant impact as a coach at Flint Beecher High School, where he cultivated a reputation for developing young talent and instilling a winning mentality.

Hawkins’ journey from NFL player to respected coach has been marked by his deep commitment to the game and his players. Known for his approachable demeanor and genuine care for those under his mentorship, Hawkins has quickly become a beloved figure among the Michigan State football players. His ability to relate to them on both personal and professional levels has fostered a strong bond, creating an environment where players thrive and develop both on and off the field.

As Michigan State gears up for the upcoming season, Hawkins is poised to play a pivotal role in the team’s success. His expertise in coaching wide receivers is complemented by his understanding of the game at a strategic level, honed through years of playing at the highest level. Hawkins’ coaching style emphasizes discipline, technique, and a relentless work ethic — essential for any successful football team aiming to compete at the highest level.

Beyond his technical knowledge, Hawkins brings a unique perspective to the team. His journey from a small-town high school star to an NFL player and now a respected coach resonates deeply with the players he mentors. His experiences serve as both a source of inspiration and a blueprint for success, illustrating the possibilities that lie ahead for those willing to dedicate themselves to their craft.

As the season approaches, Hawkins remains focused on preparing his receivers to excel. Whether fine-tuning route running, improving catching technique, or fostering a winning mindset, he leaves no stone unturned in his quest to elevate his unit’s performance. His dedication and leadership are invaluable assets to Michigan State football, ensuring that the team is well-prepared to face the challenges of the upcoming season.

Don’t forget to follow the official Spartan Nation Page on Facebook Spartan Nation WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE, and be a part of our vibrant community group Go Green Go White as well WHEN YOU CLICK RIGHT HERE.

Communities across Michigan will make repairs, digitalize documents for easy access, shore up a barn in the community’s historic park, all possible with a total of $250,000 in grants from the State Historic Preservation Office.

Detroit, Charlevoix, Livonia, Flat Rock, Holland, Coldwater and Washtenaw County received funds from the program, the Michigan Strategic Fund said last week.

Several will use the awards for projects to repair and improve historic buildings. The grant money comes from the federal government’s Historic Preservation Fund Certified Local Government program, which is administered by the state’s preservation office.

“For more than 40 years, the CLG program has helped create partnerships that support communities in their efforts to plan for, invest in and tell the story of their irreplaceable heritage assets,” said Ryan Schumaker, State Historic Preservation officer.

Detroit will use the funds to hire a contractor for digitizing historic building survey documents, which the news release said will help the Historic Designation Advisory Board’s provide information to other city entities such as the Historic District Commission, and help property owners participate in city planning efforts.

Charlevoix will use money to replace the roof of City Hall. The building dates back to 1939 and is located in Charlevoix’s Center Historic District, which is eligible for the National Register of Historic places. The city also has other preservation work planned for the building.

Livonia will use the grant to hire a contractor to develop plans and designs for stabilizing the South Barn, a former dairy barn, at Greenmead Historical Park. The barn is part of the original Simmons Farm, which is on the National Register of Historic Places. Livonia bought the park, which is nearly 200 years old and covers 95 acres, in 1976 according to the city’s website.

Washtenaw County will use its funding to hire a contractor for repairs and structural improvements to the basement and foundation of Gordon Hall in Dexter, and has partnered with the Dexter Area Historical Society for the project. The improvements will allow the historical society to rehabilitate the hall’s upper levels. Built in the 1840s, Gordon Hall was the home of Judge Samuel Dexter, who was involved in the development of Washtenaw County in its early days, according to the county.

Holland plans to hire a contractor to replace the roof at the Holland Museum. The museum includes history from Holland’s founding by Dutch immigrants through the present day, according to its website. The city and museum also have been rehabilitating the former post office built in 1914.

Coldwater plans to use the funds — $18,000, according to the city’s website — for a structural engineering analysis on the Beech House, now used as a community center. The city has partnered with Coldwater Community Center for the rehabilitation project. The house was built by John Beech, a Civil War surgeon, according to the city’s website. It was later used as a funeral home, but sat vacant for years until a nonprofit formed to convert the building into a cultural center in 2022.

Flat Rock will use its award to host Commission Assistance and Mentoring Program training for staff and commissioners of the city’s historic district, and people interested from communities Downriver. The program’s goal is to increase local expertise in preservation.