CEDAR SPRINGS, Mich. — It was 11:55 Tuesday morning when the National Weather Service issued a Severe Thunderstorm Warning for southeast Ottawa County and central/southern Kent County. The primary threat was the possibility of 60 mph wind gusts.
Torrential rain, lightning, and small hail were also secondary threats of these storms. While we didn’t get many severe weather reports, Cedar Springs in northern Kent County saw some thunderstorm damage tear through at least one neighborhood tossing trees and limbs around. There were reports of broken glass as at least one limb was tossed in to a garage door window. Residents say pictures were knocked off the wall and it sounded like a bomb exploded.
Upon closer inspection of the site we found a perfectly healthy pine tree was struck by lightning sending shards of wood in every direction. In fact, chunks of pine (some 35 to 40 pounds) were sent hurling through the air two yards over from where the tree stood. There were no injuries, but minor damage to some houses and a garage from flying debris.
It goes without saying that no one should ever take cover under or around trees. During strong to severe thunderstorms we should always be inside in a safe place (away from windows).
The attached photo was submitted by Haley Price of Cedar Springs. Elsewhere…when the storms rolled through Comstock Park, power was knocked out. Send your photos and weather reports to news@fox17online.com and get the complete forecast at www.fox17online.com/weather.
