{"id":52741,"date":"2026-04-15T19:37:33","date_gmt":"2026-04-15T23:37:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/severe-storms-tear-through-michigan-damage-ice-rinks-and-flood-streets\/"},"modified":"2026-04-15T19:37:33","modified_gmt":"2026-04-15T23:37:33","slug":"severe-storms-tear-through-michigan-damage-ice-rinks-and-flood-streets","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/severe-storms-tear-through-michigan-damage-ice-rinks-and-flood-streets\/","title":{"rendered":"Severe Storms Tear Through Michigan, Damage Ice Rinks and Flood Streets"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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ANN ARBOR, Mich. \u2014 Violent weather systems swept across Michigan early Wednesday, causing extensive damage including torn roofing at ice facilities, street flooding, and toppled trees in areas surrounding the University of Michigan’s central campus.<\/p>

Teams from the National Weather Service conducted damage assessments throughout affected regions, including Ann Arbor, to verify whether tornadoes had made ground contact, though none were confirmed by Wednesday morning. The destruction stemmed from a severe thunderstorm front that traveled into Michigan from Iowa, Wisconsin and Illinois, according to meteorologist Sara Schultz.<\/p>

Wind speeds reached 70 mph at the university’s football stadium during the early morning hours Wednesday, while Willow Run Airport and Detroit Metropolitan Airport recorded gusts of 69 mph and 62 mph respectively, Schultz reported. Additional powerful storm systems carrying potentially destructive winds were approaching the region from western states.<\/p>

Widespread flooding affected roadways throughout southeastern Michigan communities Wednesday.<\/p>

Multiple Ann Arbor public school facilities sustained structural harm and lost electrical service. District officials canceled classes Wednesday due to fiber network failures that disabled fire safety, telephone and security camera systems, along with building entry controls.<\/p>

Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor reported that structural engineers were evaluating wall damage at the city’s Veterans Memorial Park Ice Arena. The university’s Yost Ice Arena also lost portions of its roofing.<\/p>

The severe weather toppled a massive tree outside Seungjun Lee’s Ann Arbor residence, coming within feet of his second-story bedroom.<\/p>

“If the tree fell down a couple more feet, I would not be standing here,” said Lee, a 20-year-old junior at U-M.<\/p>

Lee and his housemates were roused by emergency sirens, followed by phone alerts between 1 a.m. and 2 a.m. instructing them to seek immediate shelter.<\/p>

“As soon as I came out, everyone else was coming out of their rooms and everyone’s like, ‘What’s going on? This is crazy,'” said Lee, of Ridgewood, New Jersey. “And then we looked out the window: This tree just fell down.”<\/p>

His roommate, Gautam Nigam, 21, said he couldn’t miss class despite the chaos: “I have a final presentation later today.”<\/p>

Rainfall totals reached 2.5 inches across southeastern Michigan by Wednesday morning, with additional precipitation forecast for the Midwest, Great Lakes and Ohio Valley areas. Flood advisories were issued for extensive portions of Michigan’s eastern Lower Peninsula, southeastern Michigan, northern Indiana, northwestern Ohio, the Chicago metropolitan area and Wisconsin.<\/p>

Wisconsin Governor Tony Evers issued an emergency declaration Wednesday following at least three confirmed tornadoes in the state this week, with additional severe weather anticipated.<\/p>

Madison, Wisconsin’s capital, experienced hail ranging from golf ball to baseball size Tuesday afternoon.<\/p>

In northern Michigan, electrical outages during the storm resulted in the death of 1,750 steelhead trout at a state hatchery facility where reproductive materials are harvested for fish production. Scott Heintzelman from the state’s fisheries division called it a “devastating event” involving “big, beautiful fish.”<\/p>

The fish naturally migrate into a collection structure on the Little Manistee River before moving to holding ponds. Heintzelman said staff discovered Tuesday that power loss had halted oxygenated water circulation, causing the fish deaths.<\/p>

Wisconsin’s Department of Natural Resources announced monitoring of levees surrounding Portage, a community of approximately 10,000 residents, as the Wisconsin River continues rising. By Wednesday morning, the river had reached nearly 19 feet at that location, approximately 2 feet above flood level, with potential increases to about 20 feet.<\/p>

Following multiple days of rainfall and winter snowmelt, a “significant influx of water” is entering Black Lake in northern Michigan, according to the sheriff’s office.<\/p>

The lake drains into the Black River and supplies the Cheboygan River, which flows through the city into Lake Huron. Officials have been controlling water flow through the city’s Cheboygan Dam by adjusting gates, installing pumps, raising a bridge and restricting public access to some waterfront areas.<\/p>

Flooding and hazardous travel conditions prompted Cheboygan Area Schools to suspend classes and athletic activities for Thursday and Friday.<\/p>

“Conditions are not improving significantly and, in some areas, continue to worsen,” the district stated.<\/p>

Bill Bunting, a meteorologist with the weather service’s Storm Prediction Center, characterized a “very dynamic weather pattern” combining extremely humid air with powerful jet stream activity across the central United States and Great Lakes, creating ideal conditions for severe thunderstorms.<\/p>

By early Wednesday afternoon, the weather service had documented over 400 reports of hail, winds exceeding 60 mph or tornadoes, he noted.<\/p>

The weather system extended northward Wednesday evening from central Texas through Iowa and southern Wisconsin, then eastward across portions of Michigan, Illinois, northern Indiana and Ohio toward upper Pennsylvania and the Buffalo, New York region, Bunting explained.<\/p>

In eastern areas, temperatures are expected to soar to extreme levels, potentially breaking record highs in New York, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. through the weekend, forecasters predict.<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Intense thunderstorms swept across Michigan Wednesday morning, ripping roofs off two ice arenas and flooding streets near the University of Michigan campus. Wind gusts reached 70 mph at the university’s football stadium, while National Weather Service teams investigate possible tornado damage.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":52740,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_publicize_message":"","jetpack_publicize_feature_enabled":true,"jetpack_social_post_already_shared":true,"jetpack_social_options":{"image_generator_settings":{"template":"highway","default_image_id":0,"font":"","enabled":false},"version":2}},"categories":[821],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-52741","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-weather"],"jetpack_publicize_connections":[],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1776296253400.jpg?fit=1000%2C666&ssl=1","jetpack_shortlink":"https:\/\/wp.me\/pbtNqq-dIF","jetpack-related-posts":[{"id":79923,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/severe-weather-brings-flight-chaos-and-power-outages-across-midwest\/","url_meta":{"origin":52741,"position":0},"title":"Severe Weather Brings Flight Chaos and Power Outages Across Midwest","author":"Admin","date":"June 11, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Powerful thunderstorms tore through the Midwest on Wednesday, leaving hundreds of thousands without electricity and forcing Chicago airports to halt all flights. The severe weather system prompted tornado warnings across multiple states and caused widespread property damage.","rel":"","context":"In "Weather"","block_context":{"text":"Weather","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/weather\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/news-1781174175905.jpg?fit=1000%2C562&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/news-1781174175905.jpg?fit=1000%2C562&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/news-1781174175905.jpg?fit=1000%2C562&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/news-1781174175905.jpg?fit=1000%2C562&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":59476,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/historic-hailstorm-batters-missouri-zoo-emu-killed-hundreds-of-cars-damaged\/","url_meta":{"origin":52741,"position":1},"title":"Historic Hailstorm Batters Missouri: Zoo Emu Killed, Hundreds of Cars Damaged","author":"Admin","date":"April 29, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"A devastating hailstorm struck Springfield, Missouri on Tuesday, producing softball-sized ice chunks that killed an emu at the local zoo and damaged hundreds of vehicles. The storm, considered the worst in Springfield's history, forced flight cancellations and left thousands without power.","rel":"","context":"In "Weather"","block_context":{"text":"Weather","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/weather\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1777505987046.jpg?fit=1000%2C601&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1777505987046.jpg?fit=1000%2C601&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1777505987046.jpg?fit=1000%2C601&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1777505987046.jpg?fit=1000%2C601&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x"},"classes":[]},{"id":13054,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/severe-weather-awareness-week-day-3-severe-thunderstorms-hail\/","url_meta":{"origin":52741,"position":2},"title":"Severe Weather Awareness Week: Day 3 “Severe Thunderstorms & Hail”","author":"Admin","date":"March 12, 2025","format":false,"excerpt":"Severe thunderstorms are officially defined as storms that are capable of producing hail that is an inch or larger or wind gusts over 58 mph. Hail this size can damage property such as plants, roofs and vehicles. Wind this strong is able to break off large branches, knock over trees\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/image-10.png?fit=650%2C350&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/image-10.png?fit=650%2C350&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/03\/image-10.png?fit=650%2C350&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x"},"classes":[]},{"id":72672,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/weather-service-issues-severe-thunderstorm-alert-through-1-pm\/","url_meta":{"origin":52741,"position":3},"title":"Weather Service Issues Severe Thunderstorm Alert Through 1 PM","author":"Admin","date":"May 27, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"The National Weather Service Mount Holly office has issued a severe thunderstorm warning effective from late Monday morning through early afternoon. The alert remains in effect until 1:00 PM EDT on May 27th.","rel":"","context":"In "Weather"","block_context":{"text":"Weather","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/weather\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1779898121861.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1779898121861.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1779898121861.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1779898121861.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/news-1779898121861.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":46084,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/national-weather-service-issues-severe-thunderstorm-alert-for-region-4\/","url_meta":{"origin":52741,"position":4},"title":"National Weather Service Issues Severe Thunderstorm Alert for Region","author":"Admin","date":"April 1, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"Weather officials issued a severe thunderstorm warning Monday night at 11:24 PM that remained in effect until midnight Tuesday. The alert was issued by the National Weather Service Mount Holly office covering parts of the region.","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775101055658.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775101055658.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775101055658.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775101055658.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/news-1775101055658.jpg?fit=1200%2C630&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]},{"id":58628,"url":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/much-needed-rain-arrives-late-wednesday-low-thunderstorm-risk-for-delmarva\/","url_meta":{"origin":52741,"position":5},"title":"Much-Needed Rain Arrives Late Wednesday, Low Thunderstorm Risk for Delmarva","author":"Admin","date":"April 28, 2026","format":false,"excerpt":"A widespread round of much-needed rainfall is expected to move into the Delmarva region late Wednesday, continuing overnight into early Thursday as a strong cold front pushes through the Mid-Atlantic. The system is being driven by a robust upper-level trough and developing area of low pressure tracking across the eastern\u2026","rel":"","context":"In "News"","block_context":{"text":"News","link":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/category\/news\/"},"img":{"alt_text":"","src":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-Apr-28-2026-10_20_10-AM.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200","width":350,"height":200,"srcset":"https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-Apr-28-2026-10_20_10-AM.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=350%2C200 1x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-Apr-28-2026-10_20_10-AM.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=525%2C300 1.5x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-Apr-28-2026-10_20_10-AM.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=700%2C400 2x, https:\/\/i0.wp.com\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/04\/ChatGPT-Image-Apr-28-2026-10_20_10-AM.jpg?fit=1200%2C675&ssl=1&resize=1050%2C600 3x"},"classes":[]}],"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_likes_enabled":true,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52741","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=52741"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/52741\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/52740"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=52741"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=52741"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/tvdelmarva.com\/wp\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=52741"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}