National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Severe Thunderstorms for the Center of the Nation; Fire Weather Concerns; Flooding Issues for the Great Lakes Region

A round of severe thunderstorms are forecast across areas of the Southern Plains, Mississippi Valley and Great Lakes this afternoon and tonight; The threat for flash flooding will also accompany these storms. The rainfall for the Great Lakes region could prolong the ongoing flooding. Where the rain is needed, the Southern High Plains, critical fire weather concerns through today. Read More >

Water levels on Lake Michigan are the highest in nearly 20 years. Levels were above normal for most of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s. Starting around 1999, water levels fell below normal and remained that way until 2014. When venturing to the lakeshore this fall...remember that high water means less pier above the water line and waves can overtop the piers much easier. Stay dry when waves are high. Piers are not a safe spot in storms or high waves. Avoid piers during high winds, high waves and storms. If viewing waves this fall, do it from the safety of your car or well up the beach away from the water line.