Was there a tornado in Michigan? No confirmation, wind gusts reach 75 mph
Michigan saw dangerous winds from a strong band of storms that swept through the state overnight on Thursday, May 15, into Friday morning, May 16, including a report at the Battle Creek Executive Airport of 75-mph gusts.
The thunderstorms caused power outages across the state, with more than 250,000 customers affected, according to power outage maps.
Update: Consumers Energy says some power will be out for days. 2 tornadoes confirmed in Michigan
Officials also issued tornado warnings across at least 16 counties in the Lower Peninsula. NWS officials have not yet issued confirmation on whether tornadoes touched down in Michigan. The weather service said there may have been several "weak" tornadoes during the storms.
Winds were strong enough to topple trees, and damage to houses.
Friday night forecast: Thousands are dealing with power outages. Michigan could face more storms
Statewide, sustained winds were clocked as high as 40 mph or more. Battle Creek saw the strongest winds, with 75 mph gusts and 47 mph sustained winds.
Here's more on wind speeds across Michigan, according to the National Weather Service:
According to the NWS, here are the highest observed winds on May 15:
Grand Rapids:
Highest wind speed: 44 mph
Highest gust speed: 61 mph
Lansing:
Highest wind speed: 44 mph
Highest gust speed: 61 mph
Muskegon:
Highest wind speed: 39 mph
Highest gust speed: 63 mph
Kalamazoo:
Highest wind speed: 44 mph
Highest gust speed: 66 mph
Battle Creek:
Highest wind speed: 47 mph
Highest gust speed: 75 mph
Holland:
Highest wind speed: 21 mph
Highest gust speed: 35 mph
Jackson:
Highest wind speed: 24 mph
Highest gust speed: 38 mph
Detroit:
Highest wind speed: 15 mph
Highest gust speed: 22 mph
Flint:
Highest wind speed: 37 mph
Highest gust speed: 59 mph
Saginaw:
Highest wind speed: 37 mph
Highest gust speed: 49 mph
Alpena:
Highest wind speed: 23 mph
Highest gust speed: 32 mph
Houghton Lake:
Highest wind speed: 24 mph
Highest gust speed: 41 mph
Sault Ste. Marie:
Highest wind speed: 17 mph
Highest gust speed: 27 mph
Traverse City:
Highest wind speed: 26 mph
Highest gust speed: 39 mph
Marquette:
Highest gust speed: 25 mph
Tornado confirmation is underway in Michigan as residents send in videos or photo from late on May 15, and as officials work to make distinctions.
"NWS survey crews will fan out to make tornado determinations over the next day or two. Our best estimate is that Michigan may have had 5-10 weak tornadoes during last night's event," Great Lakes Weather and Climate said on Facebook
Michigan Storm Chasers said lower Michigan may have seen 10-15 or more tornadoes in a Facebook post.
According to the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind Scale (a wind scale from 1-5) from the NWS, here's estimations of damage based on sustained wind speed:
Very dangerous; 74-95 mph: Well-constructed frame homes could have damage to roof, shingles, vinyl siding and gutters. Large branches of trees will snap and shallowly rooted trees may be toppled. Extensive damage to power lines and poles likely will result in power outages that could last a few to several days.
Extremely dangerous; 96-110 mph: Well-constructed frame homes could sustain major roof and siding damage. Many shallowly rooted trees will be snapped or uprooted and block numerous roads. Near-total power loss is expected with outages that could last from several days to weeks.
Devastating damage; 111-129 mph: Well-built framed homes may incur major damage or removal of roof decking and gable ends. Many trees will be snapped or uprooted, blocking numerous roads. Electricity and water will be unavailable for several days to weeks after the storm passes.
Catastrophic damage; 130-156 mph: Well-built framed homes can sustain severe damage with loss of most of the roof structure and/or some exterior walls. Most trees will be snapped or uprooted and power poles downed. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Catastrophic damage; 157 mph or higher: A high percentage of framed homes will be destroyed, with total roof failure and wall collapse. Fallen trees and power poles will isolate residential areas. Power outages will last for weeks to possibly months. Most of the area will be uninhabitable for weeks or months.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
This article originally appeared on Lansing State Journal: Was there a tornado in Michigan? NWS says maybe. Winds topped 75 mph
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