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Michigan Tornado Sounding Archive

MICHIGAN TORNADO SOUNDING REANALYSIS ARCHIVE


Check out the data below
Here’s a guide to reading these plots
Read this page’s disclaimer here

(Reading the disclaimer before use is suggested)

Welcome!

This page acts as a library of model reanalysis vertical profiles (soundings) that represent near-storm environments of notable Michigan tornado events from 1950-present using RAP/RUC (UCAR) & ERA-5 (ECMWF) reanalysis data. This archive is meant to act as a reference and to aid CMU student forecasters in pattern recognition of tornadic environments in Michigan.

Total cases in archive: 43 | Dates: 1953-2022

(E)F5 Cases: 5% | (E)F4 Cases: 28% | (E)F3 Cases: 23%


INSTRUCTIONS: Select a date/event below to view the plot and information regarding the event. Click the plot to enlarge.

TORNADO CASES BY DECADE:

1950s

> June 8, 1953 - The Great Flint-Beecher F5 (10th Deadliest Tornado in US history)


EVENT LOCATION: Genesee and Lapeer County | Mount Morris to North Flint to Columbiaville

EVENT DATE: June 8th, 1953 – 9:30 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES: 7

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F5

MAX PATH LENGTH: 18.9 miles / 30.4 km

MAX WIDTH: 833 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 (PRELIM BACK EXTENSION) F00  –  RUN: 06/09/53/00 UTC   –  VAILD: 06/09/53/00 UTC – LOCATION: Flint, Mich

Read more about this event:

NWS DTX: https://www.weather.gov/dtx/beechermet

> June 8, 1953 - Lapeer and St. Clair F4


EVENT LOCATION: Lapeer & St. Clair County | Kings Mill – Yale – North Lakeport

EVENT DATE: June 8th, 1953 – 11:30 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES: 7

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F4

MAX PATH LENGTH: 33.8 miles / 54.3 km

MAX WIDTH: 830 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 (PRELIM BACK EXTENSION) F00  –  RUN: 06/09/53/03 UTC   –  VAILD: 06/09/53/03 UTC – LOCATION: Goodland, Mich (6 miles SE Kings Mill, Mich)

Read more about this event:

–

> April 3, 1956 - Grand Rapids Long Track F5 (Michigan's Most Recent (E)F5)


EVENT LOCATION: Ottawa, Kent, Montcalm Counties | Vriesland to Grand Rapids to Trufant

EVENT DATE: April 3rd, 1956 – 6:40 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES: 4

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F5

MAX PATH LENGTH: 58.8 miles / 94.6 km

MAX WIDTH: 400 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 (PRELIM BACK EXTENSION) F00  –  RUN: 04/03/56/22 UTC   –  VAILD: 04/03/56/22 UTC – LOCATION: Grand Rapids, Mich

Read more about this event:

NWS GRR: https://www.weather.gov/grr/1956TornadoOutbreakVrieslandTrufant

> April 3, 1956 - Lake Michigan to Grand Traverse Bay Long Track F4


EVENT LOCATION: Manistee, Benzie, Grand Traverse, Leelanau Counties | Onekama to Bingham

EVENT DATE: April 3rd, 1956 – 7:35 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES: 4

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F4

MAX PATH LENGTH: 50.3 miles / 80.9 km

MAX WIDTH: 400 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 (PRELIM BACK EXTENSION) F00  –  RUN: 04/03/56/23 UTC   –  VAILD: 04/03/56/23 UTC – LOCATION: Cadillac, Mich (40 miles E Onekama, Mich)

Read more about this event:

NWS GRR: https://www.weather.gov/grr/1956TornadoOutbreakVrieslandTrufant

> May 12, 1956 - Flint & Burton F4


EVENT LOCATION: Genesee County | Flint to Burton

EVENT DATE: May 12th, 1956 – 7:25 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES: 11

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F4

MAX PATH LENGTH: 6.6 miles / 10.6 km

MAX WIDTH: 100 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 (PRELIM BACK EXTENSION) F00  –  RUN: 05/12/56/23 UTC   –  VAILD: 05/12/56/23 UTC – LOCATION: Grand Blanc, Mich (4 miles S Burton, Mich)

Read more about this event:

NWS DTX: https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiEyZjtzd35AhUqGTQIHXaxD6cQFnoECAsQAQ&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.weather.gov%2Fmedia%2Fdtx%2Fevents%2Ffnttor.pdf&usg=AOvVaw3WCQWia7u5aEaynGUoCV5K

> July 4, 1957 - Independence Day Oakland County F4


EVENT LOCATION: Livingston & Oakland Counties | Brighton to Wixom to Farmington Hills to Royal Oak

EVENT DATE: July 4th, 1957 – 7:55 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES: 1

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F4

MAX PATH LENGTH: 29.9 miles / 40.1 km

MAX WIDTH: 100 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 (PRELIM BACK EXTENSION) F00  –  RUN: 07/04/57/23 UTC   –  VAILD: 07/04/57/23 UTC – LOCATION: Novi, Mich (4 miles SSE Wixom, Mich)

Read more about this event:

–

1960s

> September, 1961 - Ottawa & Kent Counties F2


EVENT LOCATION: Ottawa and Kent County | Marne to Fruit Ridge Center

EVENT DATE: September 22th, 1961 – 6:22 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES: 1

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F2

MAX PATH LENGTH: 2.7 miles / 4.3 km

MAX WIDTH: 2000 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 09/22/61/21 UTC   –  VAILD: 09/22/61/21 UTC – LOCATION: Grand Rapids (8 miles SE Marne)

Read more about this event:

–

>April 11, 1965 - Grand Rapids F4 - Palm Sunday 'Super Outbreak'


EVENT LOCATION: Ottawa and Kent County | Allendale to Grand Rapids to Rockford

EVENT DATE: April 11th, 1965 – 6:54 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES: 12

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F4

MAX PATH LENGTH: 20 miles / 32.1 km

MAX WIDTH: 300 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 04/11/65/23 UTC   –  VAILD: 04/11/65/23 UTC – LOCATION: Grand Rapids

Read more about this event:

NWS IWX: https://www.weather.gov/iwx/1965_palmsunday_50

NWS GRR: https://www.weather.gov/grr/1965PalmSundayTornado

> April 11, 1965 - Southern Mich Long Track F4 - Palm Sunday 'Super Outbreak'


EVENT LOCATION: Steuben County, IN to Branch, Hillsdale, Lenawee, Washtenaw, Monroe Counties, MI

EVENT DATE: April 11th, 1965 – 7:03 PM ET to 8:15 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES: 12

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F4

MAX PATH LENGTH: 90.3 miles / 145.3 km

MAX WIDTH: UND – a damage path up to 4 miles wide was found but this damage was caused by two tornadoes.

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 04/12/65/00 UTC   –  VAILD: 04/12/65/00 UTC – LOCATION: Hudson, Mich (15 miles SSE Hillsdale, Mich)

Read more about this event:

NWS IWX: https://www.weather.gov/iwx/1965_palmsunday_50

NWS GRR: https://www.weather.gov/grr/1965PalmSundayTornado

> April 11, 1965 - DeWitt F4 - Palm Sunday 'Super Outbreak'


EVENT LOCATION: Clinton and Shiawassee Counties | DeWitt to Bennington

EVENT DATE: April 11th, 1965 – 9:15 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES: 12

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F4

MAX PATH LENGTH: 21 miles / 33.7 km

MAX WIDTH: 100 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 04/12/65/00 UTC   –  VAILD: 04/12/65/00 UTC – LOCATION: DeWitt, Mich

Read more about this event:

NWS IWX: https://www.weather.gov/iwx/1965_palmsunday_50

NWS GRR: https://www.weather.gov/grr/1965PalmSundayTornado

> June 26, 1969 - Traverse City F3


EVENT LOCATION: Clinton and Shiawassee Counties | DeWitt to Bennington

EVENT DATE: June 26th, 1969 – 3:30 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES: 2

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F3

MAX PATH LENGTH: 6.4 miles / 10.2 km

MAX WIDTH: 600 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 06/26/69/19 UTC   –  VAILD: 06/26/69/19 UTC – LOCATION: Traverse City, Mich

Read more about this event:

–

1970s

> April 3, 1974 - Hillsdale to Liberty F2 (1974 'Super Outbreak')


EVENT LOCATION: Hillsdale & Jackson Counties | Hillsdale to Liberty Township

EVENT DATE: April 3rd, 1974 – 8:44 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 5

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F2

MAX PATH LENGTH: 19.3 miles / 30 km

MAX WIDTH: 440 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 04/04/74/00 UTC   –  VAILD: 04/04/74/00 UTC – LOCATION: Hudson, Mich (15 miles SE Hillsdale, Mich)

Read more about this event:

–

> March 20, 1976 - Farmington Hills F4


EVENT LOCATION: Oakland County | Farmington Hills and West Bloomfield Township

EVENT DATE: March 20th, 1976 – 8:15 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 5

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F4

MAX PATH LENGTH: 3.8 miles / 6.1 km

MAX WIDTH: 117 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 03/20/76/01 UTC   –  VAILD: 03/20/76/01 UTC – LOCATION: Farmington Hills. Mich

Read more about this event:

–

> April 2, 1977 - Bellevue to Eaton Rapids F4


EVENT LOCATION: Eaton County – Bellevue to Eaton Rapids

EVENT DATE: April 2nd, 1977 – 4:06 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 5

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F4

MAX PATH LENGTH: ~18 miles / ~28.9 km

MAX WIDTH: 616 yds

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 04/02/77/19 UTC   –  VAILD: 04/02/77/19 UTC – LOCATION: Brookfield, Mich (8 miles WSW Eaton Rapids, Mich)

> April 2, 1977 - Kalamazoo to Augusta F4


EVENT LOCATION: Kalamazoo County | Kalamazoo to Augusta

EVENT DATE: April 2nd, 1977 – 3:30 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 5

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F4

MAX PATH LENGTH: 12.4 miles /19.9 km

MAX WIDTH: 183 yds

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 04/02/77/19 UTC   –  VAILD: 04/02/77/19 UTC – LOCATION: Climax, Mich (7 miles SSE Augusta, Mich)

1980s

> May 13, 1980 - Kalamazoo F3


EVENT LOCATION: Kalamazoo County | Kalamazoo

EVENT DATE: May 13th, 1980 – 3:58 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 2

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F3

MAX PATH LENGTH: 10.6 miles / 17 km

MAX WIDTH: 450 ft

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 05/13/80/19 UTC   –  VAILD: 05/13/80/19 UTC – LOCATION: Portage, Mich (6 miles S Kalamazoo, Mich)

Read more about this event:

https://www.1980kalamazootornado.org/

> June 9, 1982 - Saginaw County F2


EVENT LOCATION: Saginaw County | Lakefield to Saginaw

EVENT DATE: June 9th, 1982 – 4:25 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 7

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F2

MAX PATH LENGTH: 19 miles / 30.5 km

MAX WIDTH: 300 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 06/09/82/19 UTC   –  VAILD: 06/09/82/19 UTC – LOCATION: Chesaning, Mich (18 miles SW Saginaw, Mich)

Read more about this event:

–

> June 12, 1984 - Bay & Huron Counties (Saginaw Bay) F3


EVENT LOCATION: Bay County to the Saginaw Bay to Huron County – Bay City to Bay Port

EVENT DATE: June 12th, 1984 – 6:20 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 1

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F3

MAX PATH LENGTH: 38 miles / 61.1 km

MAX WIDTH: 500 ft

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 06/12/84/22 UTC   –  VAILD: 06/12/84/22 UTC – LOCATION: Saginaw, Mich (12 miles SSW Bay City, Mich)

Read more about this event:

–

> July 14, 1984 - Schoolcraft & Mackinac County F2


EVENT LOCATION: Schoolcraft & Mackinac Counties – Hiawatha to Curtis

EVENT DATE: July 14th, 1984 – 8:00 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 1

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F3

MAX PATH LENGTH: 27 miles / 43.5 km

MAX WIDTH: 100 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 07/15/84/00 UTC   –  VAILD: 07/15/84/00 UTC – LOCATION: Manistique, Mich (10 miles S Hiawatha, Mich)

Read more about this event:

–

> June 10, 1987 - Upper Peninsula - Quad-County Long Track F3


EVENT LOCATION: Dickinson – Menominee – Delta – Schoolcraft Counties | Iron Mountian to Thompson

EVENT DATE: June 10th, 1987 – 8:05 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 1

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F3

MAX PATH LENGTH: 71 miles / 114.2 km

MAX WIDTH: 150 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 06/10/87/23 UTC   –  VAILD: 06/10/87/23 UTC – LOCATION: Menominee, Mich (48 miles SSW Escanaba, Mich)

Read more about this event:

–

1990s

> March 27, 1991 - Huron National Forest Pair of F3s (Michigan's Largest Outbreak)


EVENT LOCATION: Huron National Forecast – Ogemaw, Iosco, Alcona Counties

EVENT DATE: March 27th, 1991 – 6:00 to 6:40 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 15 (Michigan’s largest 24hr tornado outbreak)

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F3 (x2)

MAX PATH LENGTH: 35 miles / 56.3 km

MAX WIDTH: 100 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 03/27/91/21 UTC   –  VAILD: 03/27/91/21 UTC – LOCATION: Whittemore, Mich (20 miles SE Rose City, Mich)

Read more about this event:

–

> January 18, 1996 - Richland F0 (Michigan's only January tornado)


EVENT LOCATION: Kalamazoo County | Richland

EVENT DATE: January 18th 1996 – 5:01 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 1 (Michigan’s only January Tornado on record, 2nd ever during astronomical winter)

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F0

MAX PATH LENGTH: 0.1 miles

MAX WIDTH: UND

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 01/18/96/22 UTC   –  VAILD: 01/18/96/22 UTC – LOCATION: Richland, Mich

Read more about this event:

–

> June 21, 1996 - Isabella County F1


EVENT LOCATION: Isabella County | Beal City

EVENT DATE: June 21st, 1996 – 9:26 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 4

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F1

MAX PATH LENGTH: 4.4 miles / 7 km

MAX WIDTH: 80 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 06/22/96/01 UTC   –  VAILD: 06/22/96/01 UTC – LOCATION: Mount Pleasant, Mich (8 miles SE Beal City, Mich)

Read more about this event:

–

> June 21, 1996 - Frankenmuth F3


EVENT LOCATION: Saginaw County | Frankenmuth

EVENT DATE: June 21st, 1996 – 11:03 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 4

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F3

MAX PATH LENGTH: 1 miles / 1.6 km

MAX WIDTH: 100 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 06/22/96/03 UTC   –  VAILD: 06/22/96/03 UTC – LOCATION: Birch Run, Mich (8 miles SE Frankenmuth, Mich)

Read more about this event:

–

> July 2, 1997 - Genesee County Pair of F3s ('The Great Tornado Outbreak of 1997')


EVENT LOCATION: Genesee County | Clio to SE of Clio

EVENT DATE: July 2nd, 1997 – 4:30 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 14 (Michigan’s 2nd largest 24hr tornado outbreak)

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F3 (x2)

MAX PATH LENGTH:  2 miles / 3.2 km

MAX WIDTH: 1000 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 07/02/97/20 UTC   –  VAILD: 07/02/97/20 UTC – LOCATION: Mount Morris, Mich (5 miles SSE Clio, Mich)

Read more about this event:

–

> July 2, 1997 - Metro Detroit F2 ('The Great Tornado Outbreak of 1997')


EVENT LOCATION: Wayne County | Hamtramck

EVENT DATE: July 2nd, 1997 – 6:30 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 14 (Michigan’s 2nd largest 24hr tornado outbreak)

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F2

MAX PATH LENGTH:  6.7 miles / 10.7 km

MAX WIDTH: 2500 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 07/02/97/22 UTC   –  VAILD: 07/02/97/22 UTC – LOCATION: Detroit, Mich (4 miles S Hamtramck, Mich)

Read more about this event:

–

> July 23, 1999 - Mount Pleasant Brief F0


EVENT LOCATION: Isabella County | Mount Pleasant

EVENT DATE: July 23th, 1999 – 1:13 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 2

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F0

MAX PATH LENGTH: 0.1 miles / 0.1 km

MAX WIDTH: 10 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 07/23/99/17 UTC   –  VAILD: 07/23/99/17 UTC – LOCATION: Mount Pleasant, Mich

Read more about this event:

–

2000s

> June 6, 2001 - Bi-State Long Track F3 (Indiana, Ohio, Michigan Outbreak)


EVENT LOCATION: Berrien, Cass, St. Joseph Counties  | Bertrand to Cassopolis to Marcellus

EVENT DATE: October 24th, 2001 – 2:11 AM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 4

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F2

MAX PATH LENGTH: 47 miles / 75.6 km

MAX WIDTH: 1320 yds

 MAX WIND: UND                         


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 10/24/01/20 UTC   –  VAILD: 10/24/01/20 UTC – LOCATION: Edwardsburg, Mich (8 miles SSW Cassopolis, Mich)

Read more about this event:

NWS IWX: https://www.weather.gov/iwx/20011024_tornado

> August 22, 2003 - Webberville F2


EVENT LOCATION: Ingham and Lenawee County | Webberville

EVENT DATE: August 22nd, 2003 – 8:55 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 1

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F2

MAX PATH LENGTH: 4.7 miles / 7.5 km

MAX WIDTH: 880 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: ECMWF ERA-5 F00  –  RUN: 08/22/03/00 UTC   –  VAILD: 08/22/03/00 UTC – LOCATION: Dansville, Mich (9 miles SSE Webberville, Mich)

Read more about this event:

–

> August 24, 2007 - Charlotte to Potterville EF3


EVENT LOCATION: Eaton County | Charlotte to Potterville

EVENT DATE: August 24th, 2007 – 4:25 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 4

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): EF3

MAX PATH LENGTH: 6.5 miles / 10.4 km

MAX WIDTH: 300 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: RUC F00  –  RUN: 08/24/07/20 UTC   –  VAILD: 08/24/07/20 UTC – LOCATION: Eaton Rapids, Mich (9 miles ESE Charlotte, Mich)

Read more about this event:

–

> October 18, 2007 - Long Rapids EF2


EVENT LOCATION: Alpena County | NW of Long Rapids

EVENT DATE: October 18th, 2007 – 5:25 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 10

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): EF2

MAX PATH LENGTH: 4.1 miles / 6.5 km

MAX WIDTH: 430 yd

 MAX WIND: UND                           


MODEL DATA: MODEL: RUC F00  –  RUN: 10/18/07/22 UTC   –  VAILD: 10/18/07/22 UTC – LOCATION: Long Rapids, Mich

Read more about this event:

–

2010s

> June 6, 2010 - White Pigeon, Michigan EF2 (Michigan, Ohio & Indiana 'Mini-Outbreak')


EVENT LOCATION: St. Joseph County | White Pigeon

EVENT DATE: June 6th, 2010 – 12:32 AM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 9

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): EF2

MAX PATH LENGTH: 9.4 miles / 15.1 km

MAX WIDTH: UND

 MAX WIND: 135 mph                          


MODEL DATA: MODEL: RUC F00  –  RUN: 06/06/10/03 UTC   –  VAILD: 06/06/10/03 UTC – LOCATION: White Pigeon, Mich

Read more about this event:

NWS IWX: https://www.weather.gov/iwx/20100606_tornado

> June 6, 2010 - Dundee, Michigan Overnight EF2 (Michigan, Ohio & Indiana 'Mini-Outbreak')


EVENT LOCATION: Monroe County | Dundee

EVENT DATE: June 6th, 2010 – 2:11 AM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 9

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): EF2

MAX PATH LENGTH: 13 miles / 20.9 km

MAX WIDTH: 800 yds

 MAX WIND: 115 mph                          


MODEL DATA: MODEL: RUC F00  –  RUN: 06/06/10/06 UTC   –  VAILD: 06/06/10/06 UTC – LOCATION: Dundee, Mich

Read more about this event:

NWS DTX: https://www.weather.gov/dtx/100606tors

> April 26, 2011 - Allegan County EF-0 (2011 'Super-Outbreak')


EVENT LOCATION: Allegan County | New Salem

EVENT DATE: April 26th, 2011 – 5:44 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 1

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): EF0

MAX PATH LENGTH: 3.3 miles / 15.1 km

MAX WIDTH: 50 yds

 MAX WIND: UND                         


MODEL DATA: MODEL: RUC F00  –  RUN: 04/26/11/21 UTC   –  VAILD: 04/26/11/21 UTC – LOCATION: Dorr, Mich (4 miles SE New Salem, Mich)

Read more about this event:

–

> May 28, 2013 - Fenton, Michigan EF2 (Localized 'Mini-Outbreak')


EVENT LOCATION: Genesee County | Fenton to near Grand Blanc

EVENT DATE: May 28th, 2013 – 9:30 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 5

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): EF2

MAX PATH LENGTH: 5.1 miles / 8.2 km

MAX WIDTH: 500 yds

 MAX WIND: 115 mph                          


MODEL DATA: MODEL: RAP F00  –  RUN: 05/29/13/01 UTC   –  VAILD: 05/29/13/01 UTC – LOCATION: Fenton, Mich

Read more about this event:

NWS DTX: https://www.weather.gov/dtx/tornadooutbreak052813

> May 28, 2013 - Fenton, Michigan EF2 (Localized 'Mini-Outbreak') - DTX RAOB


EVENT LOCATION: Genesee County | Fenton to near Grand Blanc

EVENT DATE: May 28th, 2013 – 9:30 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 5

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): EF2

MAX PATH LENGTH: 5.1 miles / 8.2 km

MAX WIDTH: 500 yds

 MAX WIND: 115 mph                          


RAOB DATA: DTX (Detroit / White Lake Mich) | May 29th, 2013 – 00 UTC

Read more about this event:

NWS DTX: https://www.weather.gov/dtx/tornadooutbreak052813

> June 22, 2015 - Birch Run EF2 - (Thumb 'Mini-Outbreak')


EVENT LOCATION: Saginaw to Tuscola Counties – Birch Run to Millington

EVENT DATE: June 22th, 2015 – 9:03 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 5

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): F2

MAX PATH LENGTH: 11.1 miles / 17.8 km

MAX WIDTH: 400 yards

 MAX WIND: 115 mph                          


MODEL DATA: MODEL: RAP F00  –  RUN: 06/23/15/01 UTC   –  VAILD: 06/23/15/01 UTC – LOCATION: Clio, Mich (5 miles SSE Birch Run, Mich)

Read more about this event:

NWS DTX: https://www.weather.gov/dtx/150622torevent

> December 23, 2015 - Canton EF-1 (Michigan's Only December Tornado)


EVENT LOCATION: Wayne County | Canton

EVENT DATE: December 23rd, 2015 – 6:43 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 1 (Michigan’s Only December tornado on record, 3rd ever during astronomical winter)

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): EF-1

MAX PATH LENGTH: 2 miles / 17.8 km

MAX WIDTH: 100 yards

 MAX WIND: 90 mph                          


MODEL DATA: MODEL: RAP F00  –  RUN: 12/23/15/23 UTC   –  VAILD: 12/23/15/23 UTC – LOCATION: Westland, Mich (3 miles SE Canton, Mich)

Read more about this event:

NWS DTX: https://www.weather.gov/dtx/December23Tornado

> August 20, 2016 - Allegan County EF1 (West Michigan QLCS 'Mini-Outbreak')


EVENT LOCATION: Allegan County | Allegan

EVENT DATE: June 21st, 1996 – 1:42 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 6

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): EF1

MAX PATH LENGTH: 12.8 miles / 20.5 km

MAX WIDTH: 100 yd

 MAX WIND: 110 mph                          


MODEL DATA: MODEL: RAP F00  –  RUN: 06/22/96/01 UTC   –  VAILD: 06/22/96/01 UTC – LOCATION: Mount Pleasant, Mich (8 miles SE Beal City, Mich)

Read more about this event:

NWS GRR: https://www.weather.gov/grr/summary20160820

> March 14, 2019 - Perry to Lennon EF2


EVENT LOCATION: Shiawassee County | Perry to Durand to Lennon

EVENT DATE: March 14th, 2019 – 6:45 to 7:05 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 4

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): EF2

MAX PATH LENGTH: 18.2 miles / 29.2 km

MAX WIDTH: 700 yds

 MAX WIND: 125 mph                          


MODEL DATA: MODEL: RAP F00  –  RUN: 03/14/19/23 UTC   –  VAILD: 03/14/19/23 UTC – LOCATION: Perry, Mich

Read more about this event:

NWS DTX: https://www.weather.gov/dtx/190314tornadoevent

2020s

> June 26, 2021 - Port Austin, Michigan EF2


EVENT LOCATION: Huron County | Port Austin

EVENT DATE: June 26th, 2021 – 5:49 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 1

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): EF3

MAX PATH LENGTH: 6.8 miles / 10.4 km

MAX WIDTH: 400 yds

 MAX WIND: 120 mph                          


MODEL DATA: MODEL: RAP F00  –  RUN: 06/26/21/21 UTC   –  VAILD: 06/26/21/21 UTC – LOCATION: Kinde, Mich (7 miles S Port Austin, Mich)

Read more about this event:

NWS DTX: https://www.weather.gov/dtx/MetroDetroitFlooding_PortAustinTornado_June2021

> July 24, 2021 - White Lake, Michigan Highly Deviant EF1


EVENT LOCATION: Oakland County | White Lake Township

EVENT DATE: July 24th, 2021 – 7:45 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 4

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): EF2

MAX PATH LENGTH: 1.8 miles / 2.8 km

MAX WIDTH: 400 yds

 MAX WIND: 100 mph                          


MODEL DATA: MODEL: RAP F00  –  RUN: 07/25/21/00 UTC   –  VAILD: 07/25/21/00 UTC – LOCATION: Pontiac, Mich (10 miles SE White Lake Township, Mich)

Read more about this event:

NWS DTX: https://www.weather.gov/dtx/Severe-Thunderstorms-and-Tornadoes-July-24-2021

> May 20, 2022 - Gaylord, Michigan EF3


EVENT LOCATION: Ostego County – Gaylord

EVENT DATE: May 20th, 2022 – 3:35 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 1

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): EF3

MAX PATH LENGTH: 17.8 miles / 28.6 km

MAX WIDTH: 200 yds

 MAX WIND: 150 mph                          


MODEL DATA: MODEL: RAP F00  –  RUN: 05/20/22/19 UTC   –  VAILD: 05/20/22/19 UTC – LOCATION: Ostego Lake, Mich (9 miles S Gaylord, Mich)

Read more about this event:

NWS APX: https://www.weather.gov/apx/severe-2022May20

> May 20, 2022 - Gaylord, Michigan EF3 - APX RAOB


EVENT LOCATION: Ostego County – Gaylord

EVENT DATE: May 20th, 2022 – 3:35 PM ET

NUMBER OF TORNADOES AROUND MICHIGAN: 1

MAX TORNADO RATING(S): EF3

MAX PATH LENGTH: 17.8 miles / 28.6 km

MAX WIDTH: 200 yds

 MAX WIND: 150 mph                          


RAOB DATA: APX (Gaylord, Mich) | May 20th, 2022 – 18 UTC

Read more about this event:

NWS APX: https://www.weather.gov/apx/severe-2022May20

 

MICHIGAN TORNADO QUICK STATS (1950-2022)

TOTAL CONFIRMED TORNADOES:  ~ 1,194

TOTAL ESTIMATED PROPERTY DAMAGE & CROP DAMAGE: $1,133,086,550 | $1,512,500

TOTAL EF/F5s: 2 (1953 & 1956) (plus 2 pre-1950)

TOTAL EF/F4s: 17 (most recent: 1977) (plus 11 pre-1950)

TOTAL EF/F3s: 44 (most recent: 2022)

TOTAL </= EF/F2: ~ 1131

REANALYSIS DATA DISCLAIMER

Please note that the plots found on this page use MODELED REANALYSIS data from the RAP/RUC (2005-present), ERA-5 (1958-present), and a preliminary back extension of the ERA-5 (1950-1978) – i.e. not actual observations of the atmosphere*. Because of this, the plots provided here may not be entirely representative of the actual atmosphere that existed at the time & location of these reanalyzed plots. However, these reanalysis data provide a vertical profile that should closely resemble that of the actual atmosphere at the time. Reanalysis data are subject to the parameterization and schemes of the respective model. Plot time and location for each plot are determined by the author in order to best reflect an accurate, uncontaminated, and as-representative-as-possible profile.

*A few cases in this library are actual RAOB profiles (marked RAOB) from NWS launch sites around the time of nearby tornado events.

Note that there have been no modifications to the raw model output. Some interpolation operations take place to simplify parameter calculation and data plotting. Parameter calculations are subject to the author’s discretion.

This archive is meant to act as a library of soundings that represent notable Michigan tornado environments in order to aid CMU student forecasters in tornadic-environment pattern recognition in the state of Michigan.

Important note: vertical profiles (soundings) are not the only data forecasters should use to analyze meteorological conditions and weather phenomena. Other data sources such as surface analysis, mesoanalysis, and upper-air data should be considered but are not provided here. Check out this page for additional archive data resources.

RAP model data comes from the NOAA NCAR THREDDS data server. ERA-5 data comes from the ECMWF CDS service. Tornado stat data comes from NOAA SPC / NCEI & NOAA NWS.

The author of this page is Kyle Gillett.

Acknowledgments: Cameron Nixon, Sam Brandt, Dan Butler, Ryan May. MetPy, SharpPy, Unidata.

Read more about the RAP MODEL DATA. Read more about ERA-5 MODEL DATA.


MICHIGAN TORNADO SOUNDING ARCHIVE GUIDE

For questions about these plots or this page, contact Kyle Gillett (@wxkylegillett) (gille3kj@cmich.edu)
ABOUT THESE PLOTS:

This plot style has been developed in a way that acts to provide as much information to the user as possible with attributes designed specifically for the analysis of severe convective environments. You will also find that this particular plot style lacks many of the common and popular severe weather composite indices – that was intentional. Most, if not all, of the data provided on this plot, are considered ‘true’ observations of the atmosphere and are not related to the ideology of ‘composite-index-forecasting’ but may be subject to heavy assumptions. The data on this plot are considered, by most, to be useful in determining critical characteristics of the atmosphere related to tornadogenesis. Additionally, analysis of the data presented is not provided here. This page is meant to act solely as a library of plots. However, in this section, you can find short descriptions of certain parameters and patterns to look for.

About the page author

This page, the plots in the archive, and the archive itself were created by Kyle Gillett, the webmaster for the CMU Student Chapter of the American Meteorological Society (2020-present). Kyle considers himself a very amateur programmer. He has also worked on other various projects such as MVP-RAP, the CMU Weather Mapwall, CMU Weather Model Viewer, maintaining this website, creating News Central graphic packages, and developing plots for Dr. Baxter’s electronic mapwall.

If you have questions you can contact Kyle on Twitter (@wxkylegillett) or via email (gille3kj@cmich.edu).

 
 

This page is currently not, and may never be entirely completed and is subject to changes at the discretion of the page author.

(C) CMU SCAMS & Kyle Gillett 2022

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