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© Grand Rapids Press
A flood watch has been issued for much of West Michigan, with several rounds of heavy rain likely today and Thursday.

Two to four inches are possible, along with the threat of severe storms, and a tornado watch is issued through 7 p.m. today for these counties: Berrien, Branch, Cass and St. Joseph.

"A warm front moving could bring some nastier stuff later this afternoon. Heavy rain is a probability, not a possibility," said Mike Kalembkiewicz of the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids.
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© National Weather ServiceRainfall could accumulate to two inches or more through Thursday.

"We're looking an inch to two inches today, and more tonight and tomorrow," Kalembkiewicz said.

"That alone is going to cause enough problems" -- in addition to the threat of severe weather, he said.

The flood watch lasts through Thursday evening and includes these counties: Kent, Ottawa, Allegan, Barry, Muskegon, Kalamazoo, Newaygo, Ionia, Mecosta, Montcalm, Isabella, Gratiot, Calhoun, Clinton, Eaton, Ingham and Jackson.

Much of West Michigan is in the slight risk area for severe thunderstorms through tonight, with the threat of damaging winds and hail.

An "isolated tornado" is also possible where the severe weather threat exists: south of a line from Holland to Lansing.
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© National Weather ServiceSevere storms are possible in West Michigan, according to a map issued early this morning.
Source: The Grand Rapids Press