The National Weather Service has confirmed the occurrence of two EF-1 tornadoes in Southeast Michigan. These tornadoes touched down in the early morning of Wednesday, April 15, affecting areas of Washtenaw and Wayne counties. They were part of a larger severe weather outbreak that impacted at least eight regions across Michigan.
Details of the Tornadoes in Southeast Michigan
The first tornado, identified as the strongest, developed at 1:44 a.m. near Jackson Avenue and Interstate 94 in Ann Arbor. It tracked southeast through Veterans Memorial Park and neighborhoods, lifting at 1:46 a.m. near West William Street and Fourth Street.
Tornado Path and Damage
- Peak Winds: 110 mph
- Path Length: 1.7 miles
- Width: Up to 500 yards
- Damage: Uprooted trees, snapped limbs, damaged stadium light poles, and parts of an elementary school roof.
Following this tornado, additional straight-line winds caused roof damage at Yost Ice Arena at the University of Michigan.
The second tornado touched down near the border of Allen Park and Lincoln Park at 2:14 a.m., lifting just two minutes later. This tornado’s path featured peak winds of 95 mph and extended about one-third of a mile with a maximum width of 200 yards.
Impact of the Second Tornado
- Location: Near Wall Avenue and Ruth Avenue
- Damage: Minor roof and shingle damage, snapped trees, and damaged homes and businesses.
Additional Tornado Activity Across Michigan
Earlier in the night, an EF-1 tornado was reported in Albee Township, Saginaw County, at 11:53 p.m. on April 14. This tornado had a five-minute duration with:
- Peak Winds: 105 mph
- Path Length: Nearly four miles
- Maximum Width: 880 yards
- Damage: Uprooted trees, destroyed outbuildings, and significant roof damage to homes.
Two EF-0 tornadoes were also confirmed; one occurred near Durand in Shiawassee County just before midnight, while another struck Bridgeport in Saginaw County shortly after midnight, producing near 80 mph winds.
Widespread Weather Damage
Beyond tornado activity, damaging winds and heavy rainfall were reported across Southeast Michigan. Wind gusts reached:
- 70 mph in Ann Arbor
- 69 mph at Detroit Metro Airport
Numerous reports of downed trees, power lines, and structural damage came in from Romulus, Dexter, and parts of Oakland and Macomb counties. Rainfall totals exceeded 2 inches in certain areas, leading to localized flooding concerns.
Statewide Tornado Outbreak
This severe weather extended beyond Southeast Michigan, with three tornadoes confirmed in West Michigan:
- An EF-1 near Otsego in Allegan and Barry counties, peak winds around 100 mph.
- An EF-1 tracking from Fenwick to Perrinton in Montcalm and Gratiot counties, nearly 19 miles long with winds up to 110 mph.
- An EF-0 tornado in Allegan County with a 6.5-mile path.
Fortunately, there were no reported fatalities or injuries related to these tornadoes. All confirmed tornadoes thus far have been rated within the EF-0 to EF-1 range on the Enhanced Fujita Scale, indicating wind speeds from 65 to 110 mph.
