Homer FireDepartment

08/26/2026

Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Grand Rapids MI
222 PM EDT Wed Aug 26 2026

MIZ072-073-262000-
Kalamazoo MI-Calhoun MI-
222 PM EDT Wed Aug 26 2026
..A strong thunderstorm will impact portions of southern Calhoun and
southeastern Kalamazoo Counties through 400 PM EDT...

At 222 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 7
miles east of Vicksburg, or 11 miles southeast of Portage, moving
east at 25 mph.

HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and pea size hail.

SOURCE...Radar indicated.

IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.

Locations impacted include...
Albion... Marshall... Homer...
Union City... Burlington... Fulton...
Athens... Tekonsha... Pine Creek...
Scotts...

PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...

If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.

&&

LAT...LON 4220 8550 4225 8472 4207 8471 4207 8549
TIME...MOT...LOC 1822Z 268DEG 20KT 4210 8540

MAX HAIL SIZE...0.25 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH

08/13/2026

Sheriff Hinkley Shares Family Safety Tips Ahead of Calhoun County Fair

As families prepare to enjoy the Calhoun County Fair, Sheriff Steve Hinkley is encouraging parents and caregivers to take a few simple steps before heading out that can make a big difference in keeping kids safe in a busy, crowded environment.

“The Fair is a great opportunity for families to get out and enjoy our community, but large crowds can make it easy to become separated,” Sheriff Hinkley said. “Taking a few minutes to make a plan with your kids before you arrive can help everyone have a safe and enjoyable day.”

The Calhoun County Sheriff’s Office recommends these simple safety tips:
• Take a photo before you go. Snap a current photo of your child before leaving home or upon arrival. If you become separated, you’ll have a recent photo showing exactly what they are wearing.
•Pick a rally point. Choose an easy-to-find location, preferably outside the busiest areas, where everyone knows to meet if separated. You can also establish a central meeting point inside the Fair.
• Make sure kids know a phone number. Help children memorize a parent or caregiver’s number. For younger children, write it on a piece of paper kept in a pocket or discreetly on their hand or arm.
• Use the buddy system. Older kids who are given some freedom to explore should stay with a buddy and never wander alone.
• Set clear boundaries. Talk about where kids are allowed to go, where they should not go, and when they need to check back in.
• Stay hydrated. Fair days can be hot and busy. Bring water, take breaks, and make sure kids are drinking throughout the day.

If a child becomes separated from their family, notify law enforcement or Fair personnel as soon as possible.

“We want everyone to have fun, make memories and enjoy everything the Fair has to offer,” Hinkley said. “A little planning before you head out can give parents some peace of mind and help keep our kids safe.”

08/13/2026

In case you haven’t heard….

08/10/2026

HFD history! Thank you to Al’s -your amazing detail helps keep our history alive & visible in our community! Without all of your support we couldn’t do what we do - Thanks Al!

08/09/2026

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH OUTLINE UPDATE FOR WS 547
NWS STORM PREDICTION CENTER NORMAN OK
105 PM EDT SUN AUG 9 2026

SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH 547 IS IN EFFECT UNTIL 700 PM EDT
FOR THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS

MIC005-015-021-023-025-027-037-045-059-065-067-075-077-081-121-
139-149-159-092300-
/O.NEW.KWNS.SV.A.0547.260809T1705Z-260809T2300Z/

MI MICHIGAN COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

ALLEGAN BARRY BERRIEN
BRANCH CALHOUN CASS
CLINTON EATON HILLSDALE
INGHAM IONIA JACKSON
KALAMAZOO KENT MUSKEGON
OTTAWA ST. JOSEPH VAN BUREN
$$

08/09/2026

Folks , stay weather aware this afternoon. Don’t just rely on social media. Ensure you have plans for sheltering in advance, there are no rated sites for public shelter in the area so we encourage you to coordinate with family & friends who may have access & room to accommodate you and yours in their shelter.

A line of storms will begin to move in across the area after 3 pm this afternoon. The main threat will be along and south of I-96. Damaging winds will be the main threat, along with heavy rainfall. There is a small chance of hail, and an isolated tornado will be possible along I-94.