Mission Statement
Be a leader and partner in emergency management and weather forecasting, providing accurate and life-saving 'ground truth' to the public, local authorities, and the National Weather Service when dangerous weather is occurring or imminent.
Social Media Accounts & Contact Information
Business Inquiries & Licensing Requests
Please email us at:
westmi.wx@gmail.com
Mailing Address
For security reasons, we do not make this information publicly available.
Please email us and we'll provide you additional information.
Storm Reports
If you wish to submit a storm report please click here or share it with us via one of our social media accounts!
Social Media Accounts
Our Story, History & Who We Are Today
Introduction
West Michigan Weather Was Founder In 2019 By Jonah & Owen Drake.
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Two brothers who share a passion for the mystery of weather and a wish to make Michigan part of #WeatherReady Nation!
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From watching storms out the windows of their home to a full-fledged community with more than 2,000 cross-platform followers, this is the home of WMIWX!
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Our Story
Inspired by the Discovery Channel series: 'Tornado Chasers' and the star Dr. Reed Timmer, Owen and Jonah Drake began to steadily gain interest in severe weather and had an increasing desire to share that passion with those around them!
In an effort to save lives, preserve property, and increase overall weather awareness they launched a Discord server in 2019 and the organization quickly grew from there.
Having completed basic weather spotting certification through the National Weather Service and having studied severe weather on a much more in-depth basis in their free time, they decided to begin chasing severe weather near their hometown, north of Grand Rapids, MI in the summer of 2018 with only their phones, a single vehicle, and a NOAA weather radio.
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Who We Are Today
West Michigan Weather has become a full-on community comprised of weather enthusiasts, meteorologists, SkyWarn Spotters, emergency management personnel from around the region, Michiganders, and people from across the country and the world!
Today we provide live storm chasing and weather updates, school closing outlooks, generalized weather forecasts, significant weather event reviews, storm reporting, and more!
WMIWX Coverage Area
We provide weather forecasts, live storm chasing, and significant weather event reviews for over 4,200 square nautical miles of Lake Michigan and more than 12,000 square miles of western, central,
south-central, and southwestern lower Michigan!
Including 21 counties: Allegan, Barry, Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Eaton, Ionia, Kalamazoo, Kent, Lake, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and Ottawa.
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Lake Michigan open and near shore waters from Michiana (South Bend, IN) north to 15 miles south of Manistee, MI
and out west to mid-lake.
Meet the Team
Meet The West Michigan Weather Community Founders & Their Staff!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the best way to get updates from WMIWX?
A: The best way to get updates from WMIWX is to follow us on Twitter(X). We use this platform most often, especially during severe weather events.
Q: Can I donate to West Michigan Weather?
A: Yes! Please check out the "Donate" section of the website here! There are many options for both one time and recurring donations.
Q: Will my school be closed tomorrow?
A: We're not sure. All we can do is make a prediction! School closures are up to the adminstrators of the individual district or their representatives.
