Dual twisters hit mid-state counties with no injuries reported, while Detroit-area residents brace for dangerous heat indexes and more severe weather through Thursday.
Two tornadoes touched down across central Michigan Tuesday, damaging dozens of homes and overturning campers, while a separate wave of powerful storms swept into the southeastern part of the state — grounding flights at Detroit Metropolitan Airport and delaying a Major League Baseball game at the heart of the city.
The back-to-back weather events marked one of the more turbulent single-day forecasts the region has seen this month — and forecasters warned residents that the worst may not be over.
The Tornadoes: What Hit and Where
The first tornado touched down at approximately 1:14 p.m. just north of Freeland, a community roughly 13 miles northwest of Saginaw. The National Weather Service confirmed the twister caused damage to roofing and siding on 30 to 40 homes and overturned numerous campers in the area.
Five minutes later, a second tornado touched down in a farm field about three miles northeast of Montrose in Genesee County. That twister left no reported property damage behind.
Remarkably, neither tornado resulted in injuries, according to the NWS.
A separate tornado warning was also issued for central Wayne County just after 2 p.m., citing a severe thunderstorm near Romulus capable of producing a twister. That warning was canceled less than an hour later after the storm weakened below severe limits. In Eaton County, near Lansing, social media reports suggested a storage barn was destroyed around 10:15 a.m. in Oneida Township — with witnesses reporting swirling in the sky — though the NWS Grand Rapids office had not confirmed a tornado in that area by Tuesday afternoon.
Storms Ground Flights, Delay Tigers Game
As the afternoon wore on, a second front of strong thunderstorms pushed into southeast Michigan. The NWS issued a special weather statement at 5:25 p.m. warning of pea-sized hail and wind gusts exceeding 40 mph across Sanilac, Lapeer, Wayne, Oakland, Macomb, St. Clair, and Huron counties.
Authorities advised anyone outdoors to seek shelter immediately, warning that high winds could knock down tree limbs and send unsecured objects airborne.
The Federal Aviation Administration issued a ground stop for Detroit Metro Airport beginning at 5:15 p.m., with flights delayed an average of 47 minutes and some pushed back as long as 81 minutes. Across town, the start of the Detroit Tigers’ home game against the Minnesota Twins was also delayed as storm cells moved through the region.
Heat Advisory Compounds the Danger
Beyond the storms, heat is emerging as a serious concern for Metro Detroit. The NWS issued a heat advisory for Lenawee, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties, with heat index values expected to climb as high as 100 degrees as humidity intensifies.
Officials are urging residents to drink plenty of fluids, stay in air-conditioned spaces, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and check on elderly neighbors and relatives. Parents and pet owners were reminded that vehicle interiors can reach life-threatening temperatures within minutes — even with windows cracked.
Those who must be outside are advised to wear lightweight, loose-fitting clothing and limit strenuous activities to the early morning or evening hours. Recognizing early symptoms of heat exhaustion — such as heavy sweating, dizziness, and nausea — could prove critical in the days ahead.
What to Expect Through the Weekend
The extended forecast signals little immediate relief. Wednesday is expected to bring a high near 93 degrees with heat indices close to 100, along with the possibility of afternoon and overnight thunderstorms. If storm systems maintain their strength as they track in from the upper Midwest, forecasters warn of damaging winds up to 60 mph and hail as large as an inch.
Thursday could push even hotter, with a projected high of 94 — just three degrees short of the city’s all-time June 11 record of 97, set in 1933. A cold front moving through Thursday evening and overnight is expected to trigger another round of severe thunderstorms.
By Friday, conditions should begin to improve. A chance of morning showers gives way to mostly sunny skies and a high of 87. The weekend looks considerably calmer, with Saturday forecasted at 86 and sunny, followed by a gradual cooldown into the upper 70s by Sunday and the mid-70s heading into the following Monday.
For now, Michigan residents are advised to stay weather-aware, keep emergency kits accessible, and monitor NWS updates closely as the volatile stretch continues.
Source: The Detroit News