4Warn Weather – Violent weather swept across parts of Mid-Michigan, producing two confirmed tornadoes and leaving dozens of homes damaged on Tuesday afternoon.
The strongest tornado occurred in Freeland, located in northern Saginaw County, where survey crews determined an EF-1 tornado touched down at 1:11 p.m. The tornado packed estimated winds of 90 mph and remained on the ground for nearly a mile and a half.
The tornado damaged businesses near Freeland and Washington roads before moving north-northwest through residential neighborhoods.
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), several homes suffered siding and roof damage.
One home lost part of its roof, a large outbuilding was destroyed, and multiple garage doors were blown inward by strong winds.
Trees were damaged, and several RVs and large campers were overturned or moved. Officials estimate up to 40 homes sustained some level of damage.
A second tornado was confirmed northeast of Montrose in Genesee County.
Unlike the Freeland tornado, this one was brief and weak, touching down in an open farm field for less than a tenth of a mile.
Despite no damage, the NWS confirmed the tornado using video captured by a trained storm spotter.
Farther south, rotation in a thunderstorm prompted a tornado warning in Wayne County during the afternoon.
The warning covered areas including Romulus, Taylor, Dearborn, Trenton, Wyandotte, Grosse Ile, and Downtown Detroit.
Fortunately, no tornado has been confirmed from that storm.
A tornado warning means a tornado is occurring or is likely occurring based on radar or eyewitness reports, and people should seek shelter immediately.
A tornado watch, on the other hand, means that conditions are favorable for tornado development.
Think of a watch as being prepared and paying attention, while a warning means taking action right away.
Tuesday’s storms also serve as a reminder that tornadoes are not just a concern for Tornado Alley. Michigan averages about 15 tornadoes each year, with June as the peak month.
While most are relatively weak, stronger tornadoes capable of causing significant damage can occur.
The severe weather threat is not over yet.
The 4Warn Weather team is tracking additional chances for strong to severe thunderstorms this week. Thunderstorms are possible on Wednesday, and a stronger system is expected on Thursday.
Much of Southeast Michigan is currently included in a Level 2 out of 5 risk for severe weather, meaning scattered severe storms are possible late Thursday.
The main threats on Thursday could include damaging wind gusts, large hail, and isolated tornadoes.
As the atmosphere remains active this week, stay weather-aware, monitor watches and warnings, and be prepared to act quickly if threatening weather develops.
Now is a good time to review severe weather safety plans before storms arrive.
The safest place during a tornado is a basement. If a basement is not available, move to a small interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building, away from windows.
Mobile homes, vehicles, and outdoor shelters do not provide adequate protection during a tornado. Have multiple ways to receive weather warnings, including a smartphone and a weather radio.
Download the 4Warn Weather app, get the latest updates from Local 4 News and Local 4+, and share your weather and storm damage photos with Local 4 at MIPics.