Building instability ahead of passing cold front produced a bowing line of severe thunderstorms in the early morning of the 27th. Power outages and sporadic tree and power line damage were reported across portions of central Upper Michigan from the storms.
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 instability ahead of passing cold front produced a bowing line of severe thunderstorms in the early morning of the 27th. Power outages and sporadic tree and power line damage were reported across portions of central Upper Michigan from the storms.
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 Aug 26, 11:41 PM CST, 19 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion National Weather Service Marquette MI 141 AM EDT Tue Aug 27 2024 .KEY MESSAGES... - Overnight thunderstorms will continue to pose a severe weather risk. Expect storms to slowly press through Upper Michigan tonight into the morning hours, producing frequent lightning, heavy rain, and the potential for damaging winds. - Another round of severe weather will be possible this afternoon. Main risk areas will be south-central and east. - Shower and thunderstorms linger Tuesday night and Wednesday, before dry air settles overhead Wednesday night and Thursday. - Next opportunity for rain and thunderstorms will be Thursday night into Friday. - A cooler Wednesday is expected followed by seasonal conditions temperatures into the weekend. && .SHORT TERM /THROUGH TONIGHT/... Issued at 105 AM EDT Tue Aug 27 2024 Short term focus is the ongoing convection. Overnight, an MCS moved into the west with scattered thunderstorms ahead of it moving up the Keweenaw and over Lake Superior. This has produced considerable lightning, heavy rain, and has resulted in some severe thunderstorm warnings. For the remainder of the night and early morning, this cluster will continue lifting north to northeast while its southern arm, currently draped across northern Wisconsin, will drift eastward toward the remainder of the stateline region and the south-central. Severe potential should wane as the night progresses, but frequent lightning and heavy rain should still be expected. If storms end up being severe, damaging winds will be the primary hazard. This morning, the cluster of storms will continue eastward, exiting into Ontario and lower Michigan later this morning. Cold front associated with all this will continue pressing south/southeast over Lake Superior and into Upper Michigan, resulting in addition shower and thunderstorm development by afternoon across the forecast area. Continued instability and 0-6km bulk shear of 30-45kts will again produce another round of potential strong to severe thunderstorms, mainly this afternoon, although there is some uncertainty in this per various CAMS. Main risk area will be across the south-central and east ahead of the front. && .LONG TERM /TUESDAY NIGHT THROUGH MONDAY/... Issued at 404 PM EDT Mon Aug 26 2024 Pattern Forecast: Short wave trough will cross the Lake Superior basin on Wednesday...which will continue to nudge the cold front farther south while high pressure and northeast boundary layer flow try and build in from the north. Warm air will begin to return Thursday as another decently strong short wave trough crosses the Prairie provinces/northern Plains. This trough may end up swinging northeast and mostly bypass the Great Lakes...but an associated cold front will cross Wisconsin and Michigan probably late Thursday into Friday. Upper level ridging expected to expand out west this weekend...which means more troughing for the Great Lakes and cooler temperatures. Primary Forecast Concerns: More rain chances with another cold front in the Thursday night/ Friday time frame (locally heavy rainfall possible?): Cold front associated with next short wave trough will approach Upper Michigan Thursday evening. Narrow but decent axis of return flow moisture along the front will result in a line of showers and maybe some embedded thunderstorms crossing upper Michigan Thursday night and perhaps lingering into the first part of Friday over eastern Upper. Could be some decent rainfall given precipitable water values possibly exceeding 1.75 inches again... quick hitting nature of the event should keep things from getting too out of hand but we are in the marginal risk on the Day 4 Excessive Rainfall Outlook. Cooler temperatures for this weekend?: Probably more likely Sunday with some differences in timing/evolution of short wave trough passages this weekend. But highs in the 60s may be in the offing for the middle day of the Memorial Day weekend (normal highs by then slipping into the lower-mid 70s). && .AVIATION /06Z TAFS THROUGH 06Z WEDNESDAY/... Issued at 126 AM EDT Tue Aug 27 2024 Conditions already lowering to MVFR and even IFR in showers and thunderstorms at IWD and CMX. Expect conditions at SAW to lower to MVFR and IFR conditions by around 07-10Z when the line of showers and storms moves through there. Could be some brief gustier winds to 40 kts with the thunderstorms. SAW could see LIFR conditions develop behind the storms with the onset of a moist, onshore northerly wind flow. After these storms move through there could be a brief break in convection through late morning before more showers and possible storms begin to move in from the west in the afternoon. IFR conditions at IWD and CMX will slowly improve to MVFR late this afternoon but IFR conditions at SAW will probably linger through the afternoon into the evening hours. && .MARINE... Issued at 404 PM EDT Mon Aug 26 2024 Cold front crossing Lake Superior tonight will allow for a bit of a stronger northeasterly pressure gradient to set up for Tuesday. Winds should increase as a result especially across western/central portions of the lake where gusts 20-30kts possible. Winds will remain brisk out of the northeast on Wednesday as well as high pressure to the north tries to exert more of an influence. Small Craft advisories will be likely in western Lake Superior nearshore zones Tuesday...and probably all Lake Superior zones Wednesday (along with dangerous swimming conditions). && .MQT WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES... Upper Michigan... None. Lake Superior... None. Lake Michigan... None. && SHORT TERM...JTP LONG TERM...LC AVIATION...Voss MARINE...LC
Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Marquette MI Issued by National Weather Service Gaylord MI 432 PM EDT Mon Aug 26 2024 MIZ001>007-009>014-084-085-271100- Keweenaw-Ontonagon-Northern Houghton-Baraga-Marquette-Alger-Luce- Gogebic-Iron-Dickinson-Menominee-Delta-Southern Schoolcraft- Southern Houghton-Northern Schoolcraft- 432 PM EDT Mon Aug 26 2024 /332 PM CDT Mon Aug 26 2024/ This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of central Upper Michigan and western Upper Michigan. .DAY ONE...Tonight Thunderstorms are possible tonight...mostly likely moving across Upper Michigan in the 1100pm to 600am time frame. There is a marginal to slight risk of severe weather tonight (category 1 to 2 out of 5) with the main threats being damaging winds and possibly large hail. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday Showers and thunderstorms will continue Tuesday. There is a marginal risk of severe weather (category 1 out of 5). There is another chance for thunderstorms Thursday night into Friday morning. Locally heavy downpours will be possible. .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 using #906wx. LSZ162-240>251-263>267-271100- 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- 432 PM EDT Mon Aug 26 2024 /332 PM CDT Mon Aug 26 2024/ This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Central Lake Superior...Eastern Lake Superior and Western Lake Superior. .DAY ONE...Tonight Thunderstorms are possible this evening and tonight. There is a marginal to slight risk of severe weather tonight (category 1 to 2 out of 5) with the main threats being damaging winds and large hail. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday Showers and thunderstorms will continue Tuesday. There is a marginal risk of severe weather (category 1 out of 5), with the main threats being damaging winds and large hail. The timing and location of the storms is still uncertain at this time. .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 using #906wx. LMZ221-248-250-271100- 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- 432 PM EDT Mon Aug 26 2024 This Hazardous Weather Outlook is for portions of Northern Lake Michigan. .DAY ONE...Tonight Thunderstorms are possible this afternoon and tonight. There is a marginal to slight risk of severe weather tonight (category 1 to 2 out of 5) with the main threats being damaging winds and large hail. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday Showers and thunderstorms will continue Tuesday. There is a marginal to slight risk of severe weather (category 1 to 2 out of 5), with the main threats being damaging winds and large hail. The timing and location of the storms is still uncertain at this time. .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 using #906wx. JPB
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Marquette MI
1215 AM EDT Tue Aug 27 2024
MIZ002>004-084-270445-
Ontonagon MI-Baraga MI-Houghton MI-Southern Houghton MI-
1215 AM EDT Tue Aug 27 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT WEST CENTRAL HOUGHTON...EAST
CENTRAL ONTONAGON AND NORTHWESTERN BARAGA COUNTIES THROUGH 1245 AM
EDT...
At 1215 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Nisula, or 19 miles west of Baraga, moving east at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Nisula, Twin Lakes, Pelkie, Winona, Donken, Bob Lake, Alston, and
Prickett Dam.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
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 4665 8900 4682 8908 4697 8874 4670 8855
TIME...MOT...LOC 0415Z 249DEG 14KT 4677 8891
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH
lcSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Marquette MI
118 AM EDT Tue Aug 27 2024
MIZ004-084-270545-
Baraga MI-Southern Houghton MI-
118 AM EDT Tue Aug 27 2024
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHWESTERN HOUGHTON AND
SOUTHWESTERN BARAGA COUNTIES THROUGH 145 AM EDT...
At 118 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm 9
miles northwest of Sidnaw, or 17 miles southwest of Baraga, moving
east at 15 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Covington, Echo Lake, and Prickett Dam.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
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 4668 8890 4668 8887 4669 8886 4681 8857
4653 8844 4656 8883
TIME...MOT...LOC 0518Z 258DEG 14KT 4663 8878
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH
lcSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Marquette MI
139 AM EDT Tue Aug 27 2024
MIZ002-003-270615-
Ontonagon MI-Houghton MI-
139 AM EDT Tue Aug 27 2024
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT WEST CENTRAL HOUGHTON AND
NORTHEASTERN ONTONAGON COUNTIES THROUGH 215 AM EDT...
At 139 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a cluster of strong
thunderstorms along a line extending from near Ontonagon to near Mass
City. Movement was northeast at 25 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 30 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor hail damage to vegetation is
possible.
Locations impacted include...
Ontonagon, Rockland, Mass City, Greenland, Winona, Fourteen Mile
Point, and Donken.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Frequent cloud to ground lightning is occurring with these storms.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. Seek a safe
shelter inside a building or vehicle.
&&
LAT...LON 4708 8905 4708 8902 4694 8879 4665 8916
4689 8953
TIME...MOT...LOC 0539Z 235DEG 21KT 4688 8938 4671 8902
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...30 MPH
lcThe Marquette radar (KMQT), 87 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 05:59 UTC.
13 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
Multiple power outages reported in Iron Mountain, Crystal Falls and surrounding area. Reports taken from the utility outage map and time of the outages estimated from radar.
A Facebook post and accompanying pictures showed a few large pine trees downed and snapped at Pine Mountain. Time of the damage was estimated from radar.
A county official in Dickinson County reported a power line down on a house in Iron Mountain.
A Dickinson County official reported phone lines down, including 911 service in Dickinson County. Time of the report was estimated from radar.
Multiple power outages reported north of Halfway Village and in Big Bay as noted on the utility outage map. Time of the report was estimated from radar.
Multiple power outages reported in and around Gwinn, Sawyer, Republic, Dead River Basin and near the Greenwood Reservoir. Report was from utility outage map and time was estimated from radar.
A local media partner reported multiple tree branches down on US-Highway 41 between the Front Street and 7th Street roundabouts. Time of the report was estimated from radar.
Multiple power outages were reported in and around Marquette as noted on the utility outage map. Time of the report was estimated from radar.
NWS employee took a picture of a large branch broken off of neighbor's tree. Branch diameter was 9 to 12 inches in diameter and was alive. Time of the damage was estimated from radar.
Trees observed down on roadway west of Gwinn. Time of the report was estimated from radar.
There was a delayed report from the observer in Arnold that the telephone lines were out. Time of the damage was estimated from radar.
A NWS employee estimated wind gusts near 60 mph in Marquette.
Facebook message and image showing several large trees downed roughly five miles north of Princeton.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Michigan in 2024Every state in 2024This day in weather historyWarnings in Michigan, August 2024
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: 1210644, 1210643, 1210642, 1210645, 1210636, 1210639, 1210649, 1210653, 1210638, 1210640, 1210655, 1210652, 1210637.