wood tv 8 weather

WOOD-TV8: Festival might get hit by severe storms Friday afternoon

Artist Erwin Erkfitz created this paper mache head called "The Caretaker" to march in the opening ceremonies of Festival of the Arts today in downtown Grand Rapids. 

GRAND RAPIDS -- WOOD-TV8 meteorologist Kyle Underwood just posted on the station's website a forecast update for Friday afternoon that might create problems for those attending and volunteering at Festival of the Arts 2010.

He said:

"The time frame for severe weather looks like about 3pm to 9pm today. The primary threat will be strong winds, although an isolated tornado and big hail cannot be ruled out.This weather is particularly concerning for folks going (and showing) at Festival of the Arts in Grand Rapids and people with other outdoor activities today. Temporary structures could be in trouble with strong winds developing later today."

AccuWeather is also calling for potential thunderstorms beginning at noon today but then the skies will clear.

The three-day Festival opens at noon Friday and continues through Sunday on six stages in downtown Grand Rapids, featuring local entertainment and 28 food booths run by nonprofit groups.

Keep coming back to here all weekend long for update, and follow our live Twitter feed in the right rail here and on our entertainment page.

Father Nick Marcus Of Holy Trinity Church grills It up for Festival around 11:30 a.m. today, but rain storms may dampen his coals.