We all know the phrase “March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb,” but is it typical to have severe storms in February?
Unheard of? No. Uncommon? Yes.
Here are some stats for you: Since 1986, Southeast Michigan has only been issued a “slight” risk (Level 2) for severe weather from the Storm Prediction Center eight times.
---> Severe weather in Michigan: What each risk level means
As of this writing, Southeast Michigan has had nine severe thunderstorm warnings issued from the National Weather Service in the month of February since 1986. Four of them came in February of 2017, four in 1999 and one was issued in 1996.
Only four severe weather events have been documented for Southeast Michigan in that timeframe: one in 2017, 2006, 1999 and 1996.
Even more rare… February tornadoes.
In fact, only one has ever happened in Southeast Michigan on record and that was in Wayne County on February 28, 1974.
So if it feels like this weather pattern seems a little off… you aren’t wrong!
---> Severe weather possible amid turbulent week: What to know for Metro Detroit