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.

We may be close to severe weather tonight over far southern Michigan. Even if there aren’t severe thunderstorms it may be a noisy night at the south end of the Great Lakes State. Late Monday could have more significant severe thunderstorms trying to move through southern Michigan.

Here is the severe weather outlook for tonight through 8 a.m. Monday. What you see here is the average track of thunderstorm complexes over the next few days. Severe storms should develop over the Upper Midwest and race southeast into the Great Lakes region. The round of thunderstorms tonight could hit the very southwest corner of Lower Michigan around midnight and move into the Jackson, Ann Arbor and Detroit areas between 3 a.m. and 6 a.m.

It looks like at least two rounds of thunderstorms, one tonight and another round tomorrow afternoon or evening. There may be a third round of storms early Tuesday morning.

The hashed black lines over the southwest corner of Michigan is in an area with a 10 percent chance of significant severe wind gusts up to 75 mph if the line of storms makes it into southwest Michigan. If that’s the case the line of storms could then proceed into Ann Arbor, Jackson and Lansing late Monday.

The radar forecast gives you the idea of two rounds of thunderstorms.

Get ready for some loud storms tonight just when you get sleeping nicely in southern Michigan. Keep the possibility of stronger severe storms in the back of your mind for Monday afternoon.