On the evening of September 20, 2025, residents across the Midwest and parts of the Ohio Valley braced themselves as a series of severe thunderstorms swept through, bringing with them a barrage of hail, dangerous winds, and torrential rain. The National Weather Service (NWS) issued urgent warnings for multiple counties, urging residents to take immediate action to safeguard themselves and their property. From Michigan to Missouri and Ohio, the storms left a trail of damage and a flurry of safety reminders in their wake.
In Kent County, Michigan, the NWS updated its severe thunderstorm warning at 8:31 p.m. EDT, alerting residents that the threat would persist until at least 8:45 p.m. EDT. According to the NWS, "At 8:30 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Byron Center, or 11 miles south of Grand Rapids, moving north at 25 mph." The warning was clear: wind gusts could reach up to 60 mph, with the potential for significant damage to roofs, siding, and trees. The affected area included Grand Rapids, Wyoming, Kentwood, Walker, Grandville, Dutton, Cutlerville, and Byron Center. Residents were advised, "For your protection move to an interior room on the lowest floor of a building."
Lightning safety was a major concern as the storms rolled in. The NWS highlighted the dangers, noting that lightning strikes the United States roughly 25 million times each year, claiming about 20 lives annually. As the storm approached, the risk of lightning-related incidents surged, peaking when the thunderstorm was directly overhead. The NWS stressed the importance of vigilance, recommending that anyone outdoors should have a lightning safety plan in place. The advice was simple but crucial: "Monitor the sky for threatening signs and listen for the sound of thunder. If thunder is audible, it's an indication that lightning is nearby. Seek a safe place to shelter, preferably indoors."
Once inside, the NWS advised residents to avoid using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing fixtures, and to stay away from windows and doors. These steps help reduce the risk of electrical surges, as lightning can travel through conductive pathways. After the last lightning strike or thunderclap, it was recommended to wait at least 30 minutes before venturing back outside, since lightning can still strike even after a storm seems to have passed.
But what if indoor shelter wasn't available? The NWS offered guidance for those caught outdoors, urging people to avoid open fields, hilltops, or ridge crests, as these locations increase lightning risk. Tall, isolated trees and other prominent objects should also be avoided. In wooded areas, sticking close to lower stands of trees is safer. If in a group, individuals should spread out to prevent lightning current from transferring between people. Setting up camp in open areas during a thunderstorm was strongly discouraged; valleys, ravines, or other low-lying areas were suggested as safer alternatives. The NWS reminded everyone that tents offer no protection against lightning. Metal objects and water bodies, while not attracting lightning, conduct electricity effectively and should be avoided.
As the storms unleashed heavy rain, driving conditions quickly deteriorated. The NWS provided a checklist for motorists: maintain a four-second following distance instead of the usual two, reduce speed, and use headlights to improve visibility. Drivers were warned to avoid parking or walking near culverts or drainage ditches, as fast-moving water could be hazardous. The first half hour after rain begins is especially dangerous, as oil and grime mix with water to make roads slick. Large trucks and buses can further reduce visibility through tire spray, so extra caution was urged when passing or following them. If rain severely limited visibility, drivers were told to pull over safely, ideally beyond guardrails, and activate emergency flashers.
Meanwhile, in northeastern Belmont County and south central Jefferson County, Ohio, a severe thunderstorm warning was issued on the same day. The storm, described as slow-moving, hovered near St. Clairsville and brought with it gusty winds around 60 mph and hail up to one inch in diameter. The NWS warned that hail damage to vehicles was expected, and wind damage to roofs, siding, and trees was possible. Residents were advised to seek shelter indoors and stay away from windows until the storm had passed. The warning remained in effect until 4:45 p.m. EDT on September 20, 2025.
In Missouri, the Four State area, including Joplin, Lawrence, and Barry Counties, faced its own weather emergency late into the night. According to local news outlets, hail began falling around 11 p.m. CDT, ranging from pea-sized pellets that blanketed the ground like snow to ping pong ball-sized stones that battered cars and rooftops. The NWS responded with multiple severe thunderstorm and flash flood warnings for the region. The heavy rain led to flash flooding, particularly in southwest Missouri, as the deluge overwhelmed local waterways and drainage systems.
Residents were encouraged to document the storm by submitting photos and videos to local news stations, which kept communities updated with the latest alerts and safety information. The sight of hail covering the ground and the sound of pounding rain served as stark reminders of nature's power and unpredictability.
Throughout the night, the message from authorities was consistent: stay informed, take warnings seriously, and prioritize safety above all else. The NWS and local news outlets worked tirelessly to provide real-time updates and practical advice, helping residents navigate the chaos of severe weather.
For many, the evening was a tense reminder of the importance of preparation and vigilance. The storms highlighted not only the immediate dangers—damaged roofs, battered vehicles, and flooded roads—but also the value of community and communication in times of crisis. As the skies cleared and the warnings expired, residents across Michigan, Ohio, and Missouri were left to assess the damage and reflect on a night when the weather took center stage.
With severe weather events becoming increasingly common, the lessons learned from September 20, 2025, will no doubt inform future responses. The hope, as always, is that timely warnings and careful preparation will continue to save lives and minimize harm whenever the next storm rolls in.
