A line of strong to severe thunderstorms moved across Lower Michigan during the afternoon hours on Monday, May 18th. These storms brought strong and damaging winds, which resulted in numerous areas sustaining straight-line wind damage.
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 DTX wrote it up.
A line of strong to severe thunderstorms moved across Lower Michigan during the afternoon hours on Monday, May 18th. These storms brought strong and damaging winds, which resulted in numerous areas sustaining straight-line wind damage. Damage included numerous trees and large tree limbs downed, as well as powerlines.
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 Detroit, MI wrote its last area forecast discussion before the first event at May 18, 12:58 PM EST, 1 hour 26 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac MI
158 PM EDT Mon May 18 2026
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Warm and humid conditions exist today and Tuesday which support the
risk of severe thunderstorms each day, mainly during the afternoon
and evening hours. The strongest storms are capable of damaging
wind, large hail, and isolated tornadoes.
- A cold front Tuesday night ushers in dry and cooler weather for
Wednesday and Thursday.
- The next chance of rain arrives Friday and Friday night.
&&
.AVIATION...
Conditions deteriorate this afternoon and evening as a line of
strong to severe thunderstorms moves through the airspace. VFR
ceilings and visibilities drop sharply along the interface of the
convective line with temporary IFR conditions likely. Upstream
observations and local storm reports indicate gusts in excess of 70
mph are possible with this organized line. Current trajectories
reveal storm motion of approximately 45 mph, forecast to move
through the terminals between 20Z and 23Z. A conditionally unstable
airmass is allowing for a few pre-trough storms to develop ahead of
the line with low confidence that these storms survive across the
airfields. However, did move up the TEMPO period for the Metro
terminals to account for the possibility of slightly earlier
discrete activity. Limited model signal for widespread redevelopment
late this evening behind the line, although better chances exist at
MBS. Winds decrease slightly overnight, holding from the southwest
into Tuesday with a mainly dry start and
D21/DTW Convection...Most likely time-frame for thunder will be from
20-22Z. A period of IFR visibility will accompany the line of
storms. Potential for additional thunderstorms has decreased for
Tuesday afternoon/evening, but a chance remains.
.DTW THRESHOLD PROBABILITIES...
* High for thunderstorms this afternoon and early evening, then low-
medium for thunderstorms Tuesday afternoon/evening.
* Medium for ceilings at or below 5000 ft with thunderstorms this
afternoon and evening.
&&
.PREV DISCUSSION...
Issued at 1148 AM EDT Mon May 18 2026
UPDATE...
The setup for severe thunderstorms remains favorable for SE Mi this
afternoon and evening with the primary hazard being damaging wind
gusts. Instability trends are certainly on track as full morning sun
has already lifted temperatures into the lower 80s all areas with a
few mid 80s reported leading up to the noon hour. The 12Z DTX
sounding is also capped around 750 mb, enough to allow buildup of
but easily eroded by the inbound MCV. Model MLCAPE forecasts up
around 2000 J/kg in HREF mean and RAP projections are then within
reach by mid afternoon to establish a receptive downstream
environment for the ongoing convective complex as it moves NE into
the area. The system is already demonstrating benefits of the locally
enhanced wind shear profile supplied by the parent MCV resulting in
a mature linear convective mode, however this is where the most
uncertainty lies in terms of downstream persistence. Model
projections really struggle to maintain 0-6 km bulk shear above 25
knots which suggests the system enters SE Mi near full strength but
is open to gusting out at some point while crossing SE Mi and exiting
into Lake Huron and Ontario by early evening.
PREV DISCUSSION...
Issued at 307 AM EDT Mon May 18 2026
DISCUSSION...
Warm frontal boundary responsible for the prolific hail producing
supercellular activity across portions of the Saginaw valley and
northern thumb late Sunday will finally ease north of the region
this morning as higher magnitude warmth increases influence within
deepening southerly flow. Benign conditions ensured thru late
morning as stability holds under modest capping. Influx of higher
quality moisture will commence during this time, establishing a
notable moisture gradient from west to east by early afternoon
/dewpoint of mid 60s west to upper 50s east/. This affords a moderate
level of diurnal boundary layer destabilization for at least western
sections. Given an afternoon temperature of middle 80s, mlcape
projection of upwards of 1500-2000 j/kg will peak across the Saginaw
valley and down through the Highway 23 corridor. This leaves a
receptive downstream environment for potential reorganization/
expansion of any MCV governed remnant nocturnal convective activity
spilling downstream. A fairly strong model consensus exists on this
scenario, targeting lower Michigan for a mid-late afternoon increase
in coverage. A broader threat window locally between 19z and 01z with
dependence on pace of the MCV. The background wind field remains
modest, but subject to a localized meaningful increase both across
the lower levels and with greater depth as the feature moves through.
Supportive environment to offer a risk of both large hail and
damaging wind gusts, with greater overall potential with westward
extent. A focused area of higher SRH does materialize as low level
flow backs briefly with a slight shift in the pressure gradient
orientation. Therefore, cannot completely discount the possibility
for a more organized, rotating updraft to present a brief, isolated
tornado threat. Outside of the convective window, forecast continues
to highlight gusty southerly conditions reaching 30 to 35 mph at
times today.
The seasonably warm and humid conditions will exist again Tuesday
ahead of a cold front. A more muddled early day picture in terms of
both cloud cover and precipitation chances, as a portion of the
model solution space suggest possible activity prior to 18z owing to
some combination of the ongoing moisture advection and remnant
midwest convection leftover from tonight. Degree and pace of
destabilization certainly still subject to change. Assumption for at
least a weakly unstable environment timed favorably with an evening
cold frontal passage will present an opportunity for deeper updrafts
to organize within a sufficient background deep layer wind field
along the frontal zone. The SPC Day 2 outlook maintains a slight
risk designation to highlight the associated strong wind and large
hail threat for the late Tuesday period. Warm sector environment
will again become diurnally gusty, with winds reaching 30 to 35 mph
from the south at times.
Notably cooler post-frontal environment arrives Wednesday. This will
occur with the backdrop of increasing low to mid level ridging,
ensuring a stretch of dry and stable conditions lasting into
Thursday. Low level thermal trough marked by 850 mb temperatures of
lower single digits, lending to below average readings during this
time. Coldest conditions Thursday morning as the surface high
centers locally - lows dipping into the 30s in some locations. Dry
conditions likely to hold under a modest warming trend Friday, as
the next system organizes upstream. This system will introduce the
next chance of rain Friday night into Saturday.
MARINE...
A warm front releases north across Lake Huron this morning, with
southerly winds expanding across all local waters. Strong low level
jet winds will struggle to mix down over the open waters where cool
water temperatures maintain stable over-lake conditions. Gusty
southwest flow will thus be confined to the nearshore waters, aided
by warmer water temperatures and land influence. Frequent gusts
today and Tuesday are expected to hold between 25 and 30 knots, but
an isolated gust to 35 knots over Saginaw Bay cannot be entirely
ruled out. Small Craft Advisories are in effect for today and will
be needed Tuesday as well. More localized wind/wave impacts arrive
with thunderstorm activity this afternoon-evening, and again Tuesday
when a cold front sweeps through the area. There is potential for
some of these storms to be strong to severe with all modes of severe
weather in play. The cold front comes through Tuesday night,
followed by high pressure filling in mid-week to support a quieter
and more seasonable late May pattern.
&&
.DTX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MI...None.
Lake Huron...Small Craft Advisory until 10 PM EDT this evening for LHZ421-422-
441>443.
Lake St Clair...Small Craft Advisory until 10 PM EDT this evening for LCZ460.
Michigan waters of Lake Erie...None.
&&
AVIATION.....KGK
UPDATE.......BT
DISCUSSION...MR
MARINE.......MR
You can obtain your latest National Weather Service forecasts online
at www.weather.gov/detroit.Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac MI 345 AM EDT Mon May 18 2026 MIZ047>049-053>055-060>063-068>070-075-076-082-083-190745- Midland-Bay-Huron-Saginaw-Tuscola-Sanilac-Shiawassee-Genesee-Lapeer- St. Clair-Livingston-Oakland-Macomb-Washtenaw-Wayne-Lenawee-Monroe- 345 AM EDT Mon May 18 2026 This hazardous weather outlook is for southeast Michigan. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight The potential exists for severe thunderstorms to develop mainly between 3 and 9 pm today. Storms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts to 60 mph, hail to one inch in diameter and isolated tornadoes. Storms will track from west to east at 45 to 50 mph. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday The risk for severe weather exists again Tuesday mainly during the afternoon and evening hours, with strong winds, large hail and heavy rainfall possible. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed late this afternoon and evening. LCZ460-LEZ444-LHZ361>363-421-422-441>443-462>464-190745- Lake St Clair- Michigan Waters of Lake Erie from Detroit River to North Cape MI- Lake Huron from 5NM east of Mackinac Bridge to Presque Isle Lt beyond 5 NM off shore- Lake Huron from Presque Isle Light to Sturgeon Point MI beyond 5NM off shore- Lake Huron from Sturgeon Point to Alabaster MI beyond 5NM off shore- Outer Saginaw Bay SW of Alabaster to Port Austin MI to Inner Saginaw Bay-Inner Saginaw Bay SW of Point Au Gres to Bay Port MI- Port Austin to Harbor Beach MI-Harbor Beach to Port Sanilac MI- Port Sanilac to Port Huron MI- Lake Huron from Port Austin to Harbor Beach beyond 5NM Off Shore- Lake Huron from Harbor Beach to Port Sanilac beyond 5NM Off Shore- Lake Huron from Port Sanilac to Port Huron beyond 5NM Off Shore- 345 AM EDT Mon May 18 2026 This hazardous weather outlook is for portions of Lake Erie, Lake Huron and Lake St Clair. .DAY ONE...Today and Tonight The potential exists for severe thunderstorms to develop mainly between 3 and 9 pm today. Storms will be capable of producing damaging wind gusts to 50 knots, hail to one inch in diameter and isolated tornadoes. Storms will track from west to east at 40 to 45 knots. A small craft advisory is in effect through this evening. Refer to the latest marine forecast for details. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Tuesday through Sunday The risk for severe weather exists again Tuesday mainly during the afternoon and evening hours, with strong winds, large hail and heavy rainfall possible. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed late this afternoon and evening. You can obtain your latest National Weather Service forecasts online at www.weather.gov/detroit. MR
Preliminary Local Storm Report
National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac MI
1109 AM EDT Mon May 18 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0603 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 1 E Bay Park 43.65N 83.56W
05/17/2026 Tuscola MI Public
Parts of a roof removed from a pole barn and blown
across the property, one large tree split, and other
trees with branches down.
&&
Event Number DTX2600462
drkSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac MI
300 PM EDT Mon May 18 2026
MIZ069-181930-
Oakland MI-
300 PM EDT Mon May 18 2026
...A STRONG THUNDERSTORM WILL IMPACT SOUTHEASTERN OAKLAND COUNTY
THROUGH 330 PM EDT...
At 300 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking a strong thunderstorm near
Livonia, moving northeast at 30 mph.
HAZARD...Wind gusts of 50 to 55 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Locations impacted include...
Troy, Southfield, Pontiac, Novi, Royal Oak, Birmingham, Rochester,
Northville, Detroit Zoo, West Bloomfield, Farmington Hills, Rochester
Hills, Madison Heights, Oak Park, Auburn Hills, Ferndale, Hazel Park,
Berkley, Wixom, and Clawson.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
A Severe Thunderstorm Watch remains in effect until 800 PM EDT for
southeastern Michigan.
&&
LAT...LON 4244 8354 4266 8351 4273 8310 4245 8309
TIME...MOT...LOC 1900Z 222DEG 25KT 4244 8335
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...55 MPH
SFThe Detroit radar (KDTX), 25 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 19:26 UTC.
27 thunderstorm wind. Local standard time, as filed.
A large tree limb was reported down on a house, causing roof damage.
Sporadic trees were reported down across the county, with the highest concentration in and around Adrian.
A healthy, 24-inch-diameter tree was reported down.
Photo: Healthy 1-foot-diameter tree down across road.
Multiple power lines were reported down.
Measured on a handheld anemometer.
Multiple trees down near Harry Browne Airport.
Large tree limbs blown down on powerlines.
Mulitple large tree limbs and powerlines down.
Report of a tree down.
Report of a large tree on home.
Large tree limbs (10-12 inches in diameter) reported down.
Multiple trees and power lines were reported down countywide, with the highest concentration across northern sections.
Large tree limb observed down.
Large pine tree (3-foot diameter) reported down.
Photographic evidence shows a healthy tree snapped near its base.
A large tree limb was knocked down and a small tree was snapped.
A heathly tree was snapped.
Large tree limb and power lines down.
Large tree down on a house and car.
Tree down on power lines.
Multiple trees reported down.
Photo of healthy tree snapped.
After NWS Directive 10-1605, the rules offices file Storm Data by.
Every storm in Michigan in 2026Every state in 2026This day in weather historyWarnings in Michigan, May 2026
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: 1338333, 1338334, 1338335, 1338336, 1338339, 1338337, 1338345, 1338338, 1338340, 1339241, 1339239, 1338353, 1338354, 1338341, 1338352, 1339240, 1338342, 1338344, 1338351, 1338363, 1338364, 1339243, 1339242, 1338348, 1338350, 1338356, 1339238.