© 2025 Michigan State University Board of Trustees
Public Media from Michigan State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations

Weather spotters gear up for Michigan spring

man with rain gauge
Kevin Lavery
/
WKAR-MSU
Former WKAR staffer-turned-spotter Gene Purdum checks his rain gauge at his home near Williamston.

Winter is slowly coming to an end in Michigan.  But the arrival of spring means watching out for severe storms.  Last Tuesday, three confirmed tornado touchdowns were reported in southwest Michigan.

When the storms strike, the National Weather Service office in Grand Rapids relies on a network of volunteer weather spotters to keep an eye on the sky. 

Kevin Lavery served as a general assignment reporter and occasional local host for Morning Edition and All Things Considered before retiring in 2023.
Related Content
Together we’ve already reduced WKAR’s $1.6 million budget gap created by the loss of federal funding. With your sustaining support we can close the remaining $500,000 gap and keep trusted public media strong for mid-Michigan. The best way to support WKAR is to become a sustainer. Already a sustainer? Please consider upgrading your current monthly gift.