Building moisture and instability ahead of an advancing cold front generated severe thunderstorms over portions of west and south central Upper Michigan on the evening of the 25th.
Every event with a place to put it. Tap one for its entry below.
Deaths and injuries are direct and indirect together, as the offices filed them. Damage is property and crops in the dollars of the year, not adjusted for inflation, and only where an office estimated it.
The episode as NWS MQT wrote it up.
Building moisture and instability ahead of an advancing cold front generated severe thunderstorms over portions of west and south central Upper Michigan on the evening of the 25th.
The local office's own words before the first event, as it sent them, from the Iowa Environmental Mesonet's archive of National Weather Service text.
NWS Marquette, MI wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 25, 4:01 PM EST, 1 hour 14 minutes earlier.
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Marquette MI 501 PM EDT Tue May 25 2021 .SHORT TERM...(This evening through Wednesday) Issued at 500 PM EDT TUE MAY 25 2021 A small complex of thunderstorms moved through Menominee County around noon today. The outflow boundary left behind seems to be focusing additional thunderstorm development this afternoon. An isolated thunderstorm also developed over northern Marquette County and passed just south of Big Bay then developed a decent meso over central Lake Superior. Overall, observed thunderstorm trends indicate a more favorable environment for severe storms across the northwestern CWA where storms have struggled to develop. Recent visible satellite shows cumulus clearing across the western CWA with storms developing along the cold front near Duluth, MN. The cold front is the main item of interest in the near term with potential for severe thunderstorms this evening. The convective environment in place at the moment is characterized by MUCAPE around 2000 J/kg and about 50 knots of effective bulk shear. Hodographs are fairly long but they are straight indicating a predominantly wind/hail threat with the strongest storms this evening. DCAPE values around 1000-1200 J/kg combined with an increasingly linear radar appearance suggests the wind threat is probably greater than the hail threat for our area. The strongest storms are expected across the west where timing is more favorable. The cold front isn't expected to reach Marquette county until 8-9 PM when CAPE should be too small to support severe thunderstorms. A secondary cold front moves through early Wednesday morning bringing a much stronger push of cold air with it. This push of cold air seems marginally cold enough for lake-induced instability to mix stronger winds down from aloft resulting in a chilly and blustery morning. Lake-induced instability is also adequate for an overcast cloud deck on Wednesday morning, but increasingly dry air aloft should allow clouds to scatter out by the afternoon. .LONG TERM...(Wednesday night through Tuesday) Issued at 421 PM EDT TUE MAY 25 2021 A cold front will sweep though the area from the northwest early Wednesday morning with much cooler and drier air behind it along with gusty northwesterly winds, particularly in the east. Temperatures will only be in the 40s and 50s tomorrow, warmest south. Mixing in the west will bring afternoon humidity down close to 30 percent though this area faired better than most of the U.P with precipitation over the last 24 hours. Beyond tomorrow the main concerns will be fire weather conditions and the likely frost/freeze over at least the interior west at night though the end of the work week as a strong surface high moves though Ontario into Quebec with dry downslope flow continuing to move into the area. Afternoon humidity will likely fall into the 25 to 35 percent range away from Lake Superior with the lowest RH over the interior. The dry air will also allow for good radiational cooling at night with temperatures falling to near and below freezing away from the Great Lakes. A low pressure will move though the region on Thursday and Thursday night but models have been trending further south with the system. The more southerly track and dry low level flow into the U.P will limit any precipitation prospects. Upper level ridging builds into the area for Saturday with returning southerly flow and high temperatures warming into the 60s and low 70s. The next trough approaches Sunday with precipitation chances for Sunday into Monday. && .AVIATION...(For the 18Z TAFS through 18Z Wednesday afternoon) Issued at 235 PM EDT TUE MAY 25 2021 Low confidence thunderstorm forecast this afternoon and evening ahead of a cold front. In general, VFR conditions are expected at most places, most of the time, but MVFR conditions around a few towering cumulus have been popping up near SAW and CMX early this afternoon. Decided to maintain VCTS at CMX until after the cold front moves through since I'm not confident in convective trends there. MVFR cigs are expected with any thunderstorms that develop. Winds gradually veer northwesterly overnight with a secondary cold front expected early on Wednesday. A LLJ is expected this evening ahead of the secondary front with marginal LLWS possible at CMX, but magnitude and duration weren't enough for me to mention in TAFs. Much cooler air flowing over Lake Superior is expected to result in an overcast cloud deck at all TAF sites Wednesday morning. Drier air aloft moves in during the day on Wednesday with clouds expected to scatter out by the afternoon. && .MARINE...(For the 4 PM Lake Superior forecast issuance) Issued at 500 PM EDT TUE MAY 25 2021 Areas of dense fog may remain and develop across the lake as a warm and moist air from the Gulf moves over the lake this evening. However, fog should diminish overnight as winds increase and a drier air mass moves over the lake. SW winds increase to 20-25 knots near sunset with gusts to 30 knots. Winds veer northwesterly behind a secondary cold front with gusts a few gale force gusts expected across eastern Lake Superior on Wednesday. Winds are expected to decrease Wednesday night, with gusts becoming 20 knots or less by Thursday and remaining that way through the weekend. && .MQT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Upper Michigan... None. Lake Superior... None. Lake Michigan... None. && SHORT TERM...EK LONG TERM...NL AVIATION...EK MARINE...EK
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Marquette MI 518 AM EDT Tue May 25 2021 MIZ001>007-009>014-084-085-261200- Keweenaw-Ontonagon-Northern Houghton-Baraga-Marquette-Alger-Luce- Gogebic-Iron-Dickinson-Menominee-Delta-Southern Schoolcraft- Southern Houghton-Northern Schoolcraft- 518 AM EDT Tue May 25 2021 /418 AM CDT Tue May 25 2021/ This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of western Upper Michigan and central Upper Michigan. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Scattered thunderstorms are expected today into this evening. Isolated severe storms, producing damaging winds or large hail, are possible this afternoon and early this evening. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday Minor lakeshore flooding and minor beach erosion are possible along the Lake Superior beaches east of Munising Wednesday afternoon and early evening. Frost is possible across the interior of Upper Michigan Wednesday night, especially over the west half of Upper Michigan where temperatures may slip below freezing. Widespread frost is expected across the interior of Upper Michigan Friday night. A freeze is likely across interior western Upper Michigan where temperatures may fall to as low as the mid 20s. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotters are encouraged to report any observed hail or wind damage from thunderstorms to the National Weather Service in Marquette. The public may also submit reports to the National Weather Service via phone, on our website, or through Facebook or Twitter. LSZ162-240>251-263>267-261200- Lake Superior west of a line from Saxon Harbor WI to Grand Portage MN beyond 5NM-Saxon Harbor WI to Black River MI- Black River to Ontonagon MI- Ontonagon to Upper Entrance of Portage Canal MI- Upper Entrance of Portage Canal to Eagle River MI- Eagle River to Manitou Island MI- Manitou Island to Point Isabelle MI- Point Isabelle to Lower Entrance of Portage Canal MI- Lower Entrance of Portage Canal To Huron Islands MI Including Keweenaw and Huron Bays-Huron Islands to Marquette MI- Marquette to Munising MI-Munising to Grand Marais MI- Grand Marais to Whitefish Point MI- Lake Superior from Saxon Harbor WI to Upper Entrance to Portage Canal MI 5NM off shore to the US/Canadian border including Isle Royale National Park- Lake Superior from Upper Entrance to Portage Canal to Manitou Island MI 5NM off shore to the US/Canadian Border- Lake Superior West of Line from Manitou Island to Marquette MI Beyond 5NM from shore- Lake Superior East of a line from Manitou Island to Marquette MI and West of a line from Grand Marais MI to the US/Canadian Border Beyond 5NM from shore- Lake Superior from Grand Marais MI to Whitefish Point MI 5NM off shore to the US/Canadian border- 518 AM EDT Tue May 25 2021 /418 AM CDT Tue May 25 2021/ This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Eastern Lake Superior...Central Lake Superior and Western Lake Superior. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight Scattered thunderstorms are expected today into this evening. Isolated severe storms, producing strong winds or large hail, are possible this afternoon and early this evening. Patches of dense fog are possible today. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday A few northwest gale force gusts to 35 knots are possible over eastern Lake Superior on Wednesday. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... The need for weather spotter reports is not anticipated at this time. LMZ221-248-250-261200- Green Bay North of line from Cedar River MI to Rock Island Passage-Seul Choix Point to Point Detour MI- 5NM East of a line from Fairport MI to Rock Island Passage- 518 AM EDT Tue May 25 2021 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Northern Lake Michigan. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight There is a slight chance of thunderstorms today into early this evening. An isolated severe storm, producing strong winds or large hail, is possible. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... The need for weather spotter reports is not anticipated at this time. Rolfson
Special Weather Statement National Weather Service Marquette MI 348 PM EDT Tue May 25 2021 MIZ013-014-085-252030- Northern Schoolcraft MI-Southern Schoolcraft MI-Delta MI- 348 PM EDT Tue May 25 2021 ...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHEASTERN DELTA AND CENTRAL SCHOOLCRAFT COUNTIES UNTIL 430 PM EDT... At 347 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong thunderstorms over southern Delta County, moving northeast at 50 mph. Half inch hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with this storm. Locations impacted include... Manistique, Nahma, Garden, M-94 between Steuben and Manistique, Steuben, Garden Corners, Isabella, Fayette, Thompson, Chicago Lake, Indian Lake State Park, Cooks, Gulliver and Nahma Junction. PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS... Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm. Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe shelter inside a building or vehicle. This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio stations and available television stations for additional information and possible warnings from the National Weather Service. && LAT...LON 4571 8666 4597 8688 4636 8633 4599 8590 TIME...MOT...LOC 1947Z 229DEG 47KT 4602 8668 BW
PRELIMINARY LOCAL STORM REPORT
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE MARQUETTE MI
607 PM EDT TUE MAY 25 2021
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0605 PM TSTM WND GST FREDA 47.13N 88.82W
05/25/2021 M43 MPH HOUGHTON MI TRAINED SPOTTER
&&
EKSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Marquette MI
612 PM EDT Tue May 25 2021
MIZ002-009-252245-
Ontonagon MI-Gogebic MI-
612 PM EDT Tue May 25 2021
...SIGNIFICANT WEATHER ADVISORY FOR NORTHWESTERN GOGEBIC AND WEST
CENTRAL ONTONAGON COUNTIES UNTIL 645 PM EDT/545 PM CDT/...
At 611 PM EDT/511 PM CDT/, Doppler radar was tracking a strong
thunderstorm 8 miles north of Wakefield, or 13 miles northeast of
Ironwood, moving northeast at 60 mph.
Half inch hail and winds in excess of 40 mph will be possible with
this storm.
Locations impacted include...
Bessemer, Wakefield, Bergland, Northern Lake Gogebic, Thomaston,
Clark Lake, White Pine, Ironwood Airport, Mirror Lake, Copper Peak,
Lake of the Clouds and Merriweather.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with this storm.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
This storm may intensify, so be certain to monitor local radio
stations and available television stations for additional information
and possible warnings from the National Weather Service.
&&
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 1100 PM EDT/1000
PM CDT/ for western Upper Michigan.
LAT...LON 4689 8968 4690 8963 4659 8941 4642 9012
4659 9016
TIME...MOT...LOC 2211Z 239DEG 51KT 4660 8996
BWThe Marquette radar (KMQT), 97 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 22:15 UTC.
17 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
The Houghton County Sheriff reported trees down blocking Highway US-41 near the Portage Lake Golf Course. Additional trees were reported down in the Houghton area. Time of the report estimated from radar.
Thunderstorm wind gust of 60 mph measured by the Houghton County Airport ASOS.
A caller near Kearsarge reported a roadside stand strapped to the ground was blown over by a strong thunderstorm wind gust.
Delayed report of tree down on powerline.
Report via social media of several trees down throughout Iron Mountain.
The spotter near Bark River measured thunderstorm wind gusts at 58 mph, although estimated gusts were likely much higher.
The Delta County Sheriff reported a tree blocking the road just east of Bark River. The time of the report was estimated from radar.
A trained spotter reported a tree down on power lines in Gourley Township.
A spotter reported a tree and a power line down across the intersection of Highway US-41 and Menard Street in Nadeau. US-41 was closed to remove debris.
A spotter reported a tree down on a power line near the intersection of Division and Willow Streets in Stephenson.
A spotter reported trees down over power lines just north of the city of Menominee.
The Delta County Sheriff reported a tree down about a mile west of Escanaba.
Part of a roof blew off a building in Escanaba and debris was blocking a road. The time of the report was estimated from radar.
The Delta County Sheriff reported a tree down on a truck in Escanaba. Time of the report was estimated from radar.
Tree down blocking a road a mile southeast of Tesch. Time of the report was estimated from radar.
A tree was reported down two miles north of Escanaba. The time of the report was estimated from radar.
The UPPCO map showed widespread power outages across the western half of Delta County due to strong thunderstorm winds. More than 2000 customers were without power, most concentrated in Escanaba. The time of the report was estimated from radar.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Michigan in 2021Every state in 2021This day in weather historyWarnings in Michigan, May 2021
NOAA National Centers for Environmental Information, Storm Events Database, compiled from the National Weather Service’s monthly Storm Data. Complete through 2026-06; NCEI adds each month about 75 days after it ends and revises past years a few times a year. Rebuilt 2026-09-24. Each event’s entry at NCEI: 956344, 956345, 956346, 956437, 956438, 956443, 956444, 956446, 956448, 956452, 956453, 956458, 956462, 956464, 956467, 956468, 956472.