Hail and Damaging Winds in Michigan, May 31, 1998

Large tree downed in Fremont.

Michigan Department of State Police - Emergency Management Division's (EMD's) Damage and Injury Assessment Report indicated $398,000 in public damage costs, 66 homes damaged, 3 homes destroyed, and 4 businesses damaged. Five injuries were reported, one of which required hospitilization. In addition, 12 vacation/secondary residences incurred major damage and 9 had minor damage. Newspaper and media reports indicated public and private damage costs combined exceeded $1.0 Million. Mason County declared a local state of emergency and was granted a Governor's disaster declaration to activate state assistance for the county. On June 24th, President Clinton granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Mason County, making federal disaster assistance available.

U.S. Coast Guard in Ludington reported a 78-mph wind gust as derecho moved onshore.

Michigan State Police EMD Damage and Injury Assessment Report indicated $4,018,760 in public damage costs, 37 injuries, 26 homes destroyed, 1415 homes damaged, 6 businesses destroyed, and 109 businesses damaged. Private damage cost estimates were not available. Oceana County declared a local state of emergency and was granted a Governor's disaster declaration to activate state assistance for the county. On June 24th, President Clinton granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Oceana County, making available federal disaster assistance.

Trained weather spotter measured a 60-mph wind gust as derecho moved onshore in Pentwater.

Official NWS Cooperative Observer measured a 66-mph wind gust in Scottville.

Michigan State Police EMD Damage and Injury Assessment Report indicated $2,458,958 in public damage costs, 42 homes destroyed, 1805 homes damaged, 5 businesses destroyed, and 73 businesses damaged. Two injuries were reported. Total public and private costs have been estimated at $24,205,908 according to FEMA and local media reports. Numerous local roads were closed during the day of May 31st for tree and debris removal. Approximately 50% of the city of Whitehall was left without water service and 50,000 customers were left without power in Muskegon County. The Muskegon Chronicle reported 5 large transmission towers were toppled northeast of the city of Muskegon. These towers carried high voltage electricity and were designed to withstand sustained 90 mph winds and gusts to 110 mph. The Muskegon Chronicle also reported severe crop damage to fruit trees (including apple, cherry, and peach) in the southeast part of Muskegon County. Estimated crop damage was $5.0 Million. Severe tree damage was reported in Muskegon State Park, Hoffmaster State Park, and Duck Lake State Park, all bordering Lake Michigan. Muskegon County declared a local state of emergency and was granted a Governor's disaster declaration to activate state assistance for the county. On June 24th, President Clinton granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Muskegon County, making federal disaster assistance available.

Michigan State Police EMD's Damage and Injury Assessment Report indicated $4,195,604 in public damage costs, 17 homes destroyed, 827 homes damaged, 8 businesses destroyed, and 129 businesses damaged. Total private damage costs were estimated at $25.0 Million in the city of Grand Haven and Grand Haven Township, $5.1 Million in the village of Spring Lake, $130,000 in Park Township, $182,900 in the city of Zeeland, and approximately $20,000 in Holland. Damage and losses were concentrated in the city of Grand Haven, the village of Spring Lake, and the townships of Grand Haven (northern portion), Spring Lake, Crockery, Polkton, Wright, Park, Holland Charter, Zeeland, and Jamestown. Private damage costs were not available from other cities and townships within the county. The Mill Point Condominiums along the Grand River in Spring Lake sustained major damage and approximately 50% of the units were destroyed. Numerous campers, trailers, and RV's were overturned at Grand Haven State Park along the Lake Michigan shoreline. One fatality was reported. A male utility worker (age not reported) was killed while attempting to repair storm-damaged electrical lines. Twenty injuries occurred. Crop damage was estimated at around $10.0 Million in the fruit belt (to apple, cherry, and peach trees) in the northern part of the county. Severe tree damage occurred in Grand Haven State Park. Ottawa County declared a local state of emergency and was granted a Governor's disaster declaration to activate state assistance for the county. A Michigan National Guard team was deployed to the village of Spring Lake to assist the local jurisdiction with debris removal and cleanup operations.On June 24th, President Clinton granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Ottawa County, making federal disaster assistance available.

Michigan State Police EMD's Damage and Injury Assessment Report indicated $89,176 in public damage costs and the Lake County Star newspaper reported $514,850 in private property damage and $502,500 in clean-up costs. No injuries were reported. Hardest hit townships included Lake, Peacock, and Yates. The newspaper reported an entanglement of trees, limbs, and power lines were left throughout the county, with the area from just south of Big Star Lake in Lake Township northeast through Idlewild having been especially hard-hit. Public buildings in Baldwin incurred minor damage and Michigan Highway 37, 4 miles south of Baldwin, was closed for a period on May 31st for tree and debris removal. Lake County declared a local state of emergency, which was lifted late in the day on Monday, June 1st.

Michigan State Police EMD's Damage and Injury Assessment Report indicated $1,237,000 in public damage costs, 48 homes destroyed, 690 homes damaged, and 15 businesses damaged across Newaygo County. Damage estimates for private property were not available. Newaygo County declared a local state of emergency and was granted a Governor's disaster declaration to activate state assistance for the county. On June 24th, President Clinton granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Newaygo County, making federal disaster assistance available.

Trained weather spotter measured a 62-mph wind gust in Muskegon.

The tug boat Stephen M. Asher sunk in White Lake Channel, just north of Wabaningo between Lake Michigan and White Lake, at approximately 5:15 am EDT due to a seiche created by the derecho moving across Lake Michigan. The crew reported a storm surge swept through the channel into White Lake as the derecho moved onshore. As the storm passed, the water rushed back out of White Lake through the channel, reaching the top of the channel walls. The tug boat, floating against a barge, rolled on its side and sank. No crew members were injured. The company which owns the tug boat estimated repairs would cost $20,000.

Michigan State Police EMD's Damage and Injury Assessment Report indicated $86,620 in public damage costs, 110+ homes damaged, and 3 businesses damaged in Mecosta County. Widespread tree and power line damage was reported across the county and power was cut to approximately 75% of the county's population. Private damage estimates were not available. No injuries were reported in Mecosta County. Mecosta County declared a local state of emergency and was granted a Governor's disaster declaration to activate state assistance for the county.

A report submitted to the Michigan State Police Emergency Management Division indicated that the entire county was impacted by the derecho. One person was reported as injured. Numerous roads were blocked by downed trees and power lines. Private property damage estimates topped $100,000. Osceola County declared a local state of emergency.

Michigan State Police EMD's Damage and Injury Assessment Report indicated $453,000 in public damage costs, 23 injuries, 6 individuals being sheltered, 400 homes damaged, 30 homes destroyed, 40 businesses damaged, and 50 vacation residences either damaged or destroyed. Private property damage was estimated around $13.5 Million. Most severe damage was reported in Pierson and Maple Valley Townships in the western panhandle of the county, with several cottages destroyed and damaged near and around Cody Lake and other area lakes. Significant damage was also reported in and around the city of Stanton. A team from the Michigan National Guard was deployed to the city of Stanton to assist in debris removal and cleanup operations. Montcalm County declared a local state of emergency and was granted a Governor's disaster declaration to activate state assistance for the county. On June 24th, President Clinton granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Montcalm County, making federal disaster assistance available.

In Holland, Tulip City Airport ASOS Equipment (which is in Allegan County) measured a 67-mph wind gust as derecho moved in.

Walker City Police estimated an 80-mph wind gust at city municipal offices.

Michigan State Police EMD's Damage and Injury Assessment Report indicated $4,336,751 in public damage costs, 53 injuries, 63 homes destroyed, 1196 homes damaged, 15 businesses destroyed, and 173 businesses damaged in Kent County, excluding the City of Grand Rapids (see separate Grand Rapids report). Private damage costs were estimated to be approximately $45.0 Million in the city of Walker alone. No other private damage costs were available from across the county. The storm damage was most severe in the cities of Rockford and Walker. Most city streets within the city limits of Rockford and Walker were left impassable. The city of Walker was closed to the public. Michigan State Police troopers assisted the city of Walker with security and a dawn to dusk curfew was enforced. A team from the Michigan National Guard was sent to the city of Walker to assist in debris removal and cleanup operations. Most of Walker was left without power as the power line infrastructure was destroyed. Damaged and destroyed businesses left 8,403 people unemployed. The Kent County fruitbelt, covering much of the northwest part of the county, received an estimated $20.0 Million in damages due to snapped and uprooted trees. Most damage was done to apple trees, but cherry and peach orchards were also damaged. Kent County declared a local state of emergency (as did the city of Walker) and was granted a Governor's disaster declaration to activate state assistance for the county. On June 24th, President Clinton granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Kent County, making available federal disaster assistance.

Official NWS Cooperative Observer measured an 85-mph wind gust as derecho reached Sparta.

Osceola County law enforcement officials estimated an 80-mph wind gust.

Trained weather spotter measured a 92-mph wind gust with local anemometer near the intersection of Peach Ridge Road and 10-Mile Road in Alpine Township.

Michigan State Police EMD's Damage and Injury Assessment Report indicated $373,000 in public damage costs, 25 homes damaged, and 5 businesses damaged within the City of Grand Rapids. Private damage cost estimates were not available. No injuries were reported in the city. Widespread power outages left much of the northern half of the city in the dark and traffic signals were out across the city. The City of Grand Rapids declared a local state of emergency and was covered under the Governor's disaster declaration for Kent County. On June 24th, President Clinton granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Kent County, making federal disaster assistance available for city and county residents.

Numerous trees and power lines were downed across Clare County and one home was damaged. No injuries were reported. Damages were estimated at $50,000.

A 60-mph wind gust was measured by the ASOS equipment at the Kent County International Airport, located 8 miles southeast of downtown Grand Rapids.

Mecosta County Emergency Management estimated 80-mph wind gusts associated with derecho in Big Rapids.

Michigan State Police EMD's Damage and Injury Assessment Report indicated $150,000 in public damage costs, another $150,000 in private property damage, 2000 homes damaged, 10 homes destroyed, and 10 businesses damaged. Two injuries were reported. Most of the significant damage was reported across the northern portion of the county including the cities of Belding, Muir, and Pewamo and the townships of Otisco, Orleans, Ronald, North Plains, and Lyons. Ionia County declared a local state of emergency and was granted a Governor's disaster declaration to activate state assistance to the county. On June 24th, President Clinton granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Ionia County, making federal disaster assistance available.

Michigan State Police EMD's Damage and Injury Assessment Report indicated wind damage to homes, businesses, barns and other outbuildings, and some public buildings. Local roads and streets were temporarily blocked in many areas. The Michigan Department of Community Health reported $89,500 in damages to the Mount Pleasant Center in Isabella County (which included damage to both structural and mechanical systems). Damage estimates were reported to be $250,000. No injuries were reported and specific counts for home and business damage were not available. Isabella County declared a local state of emergency.

Trained weather spotter estimated 70-mph wind gusts in Lowell.

Numerous trees and power lines were downed in and around the city of Hastings. No significant structural damage and no injuries reported. Damage estimated around $25,000.

Michigan State Police EMD's Damage and Injury Assessment Report indicated $610,000 in public damage costs, 2675 homes damaged, 10 homes destroyed, and 100 businesses destroyed. Private damage cost estimates were not available. The county reported significant public health and safety risks due to the widespread loss of power and telephone service. The Michigan National Guard supplied a generator and water supply tanker to the Michigan Department of Corrections to address the need for power and water at the Mid-Michigan Correctional Facility in St. Louis, in Gratiot County. Gratiot County declared a local state of emergency and was granted a Governor's declaration to activate state assistance for the county. On June 24th, President Clinton granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Gratiot County, making federal disaster assistance available.

Michigan State Police EMD's Damage and Injury Assessment Report indicated $502,700 in public damage costs, 910 homes damaged, 2 homes destroyed, and 131 businesses damaged. Private property damage estimates were not available. Damage was widespread across the county, with the cities of St. Johns, Elsie, Ovid, and De Witt especially hard-hit. Law enforcement officials reported a 62-year old man was killed in Victor Township on Tuesday, June 2nd, while attempting to clear debris. He was cutting a tree into pieces with a chainsaw when a large limb sprang up and killed him. Clinton County declared a local state of emergency and was granted a Governor's disaster declaration to activate state assistance for the county. On June 24th, President Clinton granted a Major Disaster Declaration for Clinton County, making federal disaster assistance available.

Downed trees blocked eastbound lane of Michigan Highway 43 in Bangor.

Several large trees were blown down along a 2-mile stretch just north of Holt across Delhi Township. Several businesses and a trailer received minor damage. No injuries were reported.

Several large trees were blown down along Durand and Bailey Streets in East Lansing. No significant structural damage was reported.

Large tree was downed and temporarily blocked Michigan Highway 152 near Sister Lakes.

Trained weather spotter measured a 72-mph wind gust with local anemometer 7 miles northwest of Eaton Rapids in Eaton Township.

Several trees and power lines downed in the City of Battle Creek. No injuries or property damage was reported.