Active Spring Like Pattern Across the Eastern Half of the Country

The second storm will track across central and eastern portion of the country this weekend. Heavy wintry precipitation will affect the northern Plains to the upper peninsula of Michigan. Severe thunderstorms are expected along and ahead of the cold front, where very large hail, damaging winds and a few tornadoes are possible from the mid-Mississippi and Ohio Valleys to southern Plains. Read More >

Overview

1998 Derecho
Safe Boating

One of the most powerful Michigan storm systems in recent history occurred the morning of May 31, 1998. A cluster of storms developed over South Dakota the evening of May 30 and organized into a rapidly moving line over Minnesota. The storm raced across Wisconsin, Lower Michigan, Ontario, and upstate New York at speeds averaging 65 mph.

6 people were killed and over 200 were injured
400 homes and businesses were destroyed and 20,000 were damaged
2 million customers lost power
$300 million estimated damages (1998 dollars)

Radar analysis from Grand Rapids indicates the strongest part of the storm (between Ludington, Holland, Bay City, and Lansing) moved across West Michigan at 80 mph or more. Wind measurements between 60 and 90 mph were common, and the magnitude of damage indicated that winds gusted as high as 130 mph in Spring Lake and Walker. The radar animation below happened between 4:26 and 6:22 AM EDT.

Wind velocity measurements from the Grand Rapids radar show the exceptionally strong nature of the gust front associated with this storm. Winds several thousands of feet above ground were 90 to 115 mph. Near the surface, winds greater than 60 mph were common, and several bursts exceeding 90-110 mph were measured. Click on each image below to expand to full-size.