Thunderstorm Wind, Oakland
- When
- May 19, 1:32 PM EST
- Where
- Oakland County, 1.68 mi WNW of New Hudson
- Measured
- 56 kt (64 mph) estimated gust
- Reported by
- Public
- Coordinates
- 42.530, -83.630
Several snapped trees reported at Kensington Metro Park.
Several cooridors of strong to severe thunderstorms developed along a pre-frontal trough, and migrated across portions of southeast Michigan during the afternoon and early evening hours on Tuesday, May 19th. These storms brought strong and damaging winds, which resulted in numerous areas sustaining microburst and 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.
Several cooridors of strong to severe thunderstorms developed along a pre-frontal trough, and migrated across portions of southeast Michigan during the afternoon and early evening hours on Tuesday, May 19th. These storms brought strong and damaging winds, which resulted in numerous areas sustaining microburst and straight-line wind damage. Several gusts in excess of 55 mph were recorded along with wind damage leading to numerous downed trees and large limbs, in addition to 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 19, 1:32 PM EST, 0 minutes earlier. Its key messages:
Area Forecast Discussion
National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac MI
232 PM EDT Tue May 19 2026
.KEY MESSAGES...
- Severe thunderstorm watch is in effect for the eastern two thirds
of the CWA until 7 PM
- Dry and cool Wednesday through Friday morning.
- Rain returns by Friday evening and continues into Saturday.
&&
.DISCUSSION...
Pressure fields clearly show the prefrontal trough tracking through
western sections of the CWA. This trough will serve as the focus for
continued convection. Southwest gradient winds have been gusting 30
to 40 mph this afternoon, indicative of some decent wind fields.
With temperatures reaching the mid-80s and dew points in the mid-to-
upper 60s, MLCAPEs have reached 1500+ J/kg south of M-59. Per latest
SPC mesoscale analysis and DTW ACARS data, the CIN/cap has eroded
completely. Thus, further shower and thunderstorm development is
expected through the rest of the afternoon. A severe thunderstorm
watch is in effect for the eastern two-thirds of the CWA until 7 PM,
but there is a good chance it may be canceled earlier.
Localized/scattered damaging wind gusts should be the dominant
hazard, given the mainly unidirectional low-level flow and good
downdraft capes. However, because of the earlier start to activity
and weak convergence along the prefrontal trough, it may be tough to
sustain updrafts to support organized severe storms (barring any
interactions with outflow boundaries).
The actual cold front still needs to move through during the evening
hours, and additional storms will be possible with any leftover
instability. However, expect this prefrontal activity to deplete
much of the fuel for the main front.
Upper-level confluent flow and sprawling high pressure (1032 MB)
will be in place tomorrow through Friday morning over the Great
Lakes region, supporting dry and cool weather.
Rain showers will return by Friday evening, however. Longwave
troughing over the Rockies will capture and send a subtropical
shortwave and moisture-laden warm front into southern Lower Michigan
by Friday night. 850 MB dew points are progged to reach into the
lower teens (Celsius) on Saturday. EPS probabilities for 24-hour
rainfall exceeding half an inch are in the 60-70 percent range for
the bulk of southeast Michigan.
&&
.MARINE...
Small Craft Advisories remain in place into this evening as
southwest winds gust around 25 knots along the land/marine
interface. The development of strong to severe thunderstorms is
increasingly likely this afternoon into the evening, favored across
southern Lake Huron and locations south. A Severe Thunderstorm Watch
is now in effect until 7PM EDT. Wind gusts aoa 45 knots will be the
primary hazard for severe weather development. Passage of the cold
front will end the severe weather threat, veering winds from the
southwest to northwest through the evening. High pressure builds
behind the front, bringing lighter winds through the midweek period.
&&
.PREV DISCUSSION...
Issued at 204 PM EDT Tue May 19 2026
AVIATION...
Another hot and humid day (by mid-May standards) lends potential for
diurnal convection this afternoon and early evening. To the west of
the terminals, initial updrafts are testing what little remains of
the capping inversion layer, characterized by shallow updrafts and
limited glaciation/lightning. Meanwhile, sufficient daytime
insolation should lead to surface-based instability within the next
couple of hours marking an expansion in convective coverage across
some of the terminals. Confidence is highest from PTK south, but
uncertainty in overall coverage/intensity of thunderstorms remains.
FNT will be right on the edge of the pre-frontal troughing so opted
for a VCTS mention as opposed to a TEMPO for thunder the rest of the
PM hours. Visibilities will drop to IFR in the heaviest downpours.
Non-convective gusts have stayed elevated given the ambient wind
fields, but expect enhancements within water-loaded downdrafts.
Nocturnal stabilization emerges overnight as gusts drop-off, and
gradient winds gradually veer toward the north throughout the
overnight hours. Post-frontal northerly flow draws a plume of low-
level moisture through Southeast Michigan late tonight into
Wednesday morning favoring MVFR ceilings.
D21/DTW Convection...Window for scattered convection is focused
between 20Z and 23Z this afternoon/evening, although initial storms
could drift eastward a bit sooner. Storm motion will be southwest to
northeast around 40 kt while the corridors of storms migrate west to
east. IFR visibility reductions possible in heaviest downpours.
DTW THRESHOLD PROBABILITIES...
* Medium for thunderstorms 20-23Z today.
* Medium for ceilings at or below 5000 ft through this evening, then
high early Wednesday.
&&
.DTX WATCHES/WARNINGS/ADVISORIES...
MI...None.
Lake Huron...Small Craft Advisory until 10 PM EDT this evening for LHZ421-422-
441>443.
Dense Fog Advisory until 4 PM EDT this afternoon for LHZ361>363-
462>464.
Lake St Clair...Small Craft Advisory until 10 PM EDT this evening for LCZ460.
Michigan waters of Lake Erie...Small Craft Advisory until 10 PM EDT this evening for LEZ444.
&&
DISCUSSION...SF
MARINE.......SF
AVIATION.....KGK
You can obtain your latest National Weather Service forecasts online
at www.weather.gov/detroit.Hazardous Weather Outlook National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac MI 320 AM EDT Tue May 19 2026 MIZ047>049-053>055-060>063-068>070-075-076-082-083-200730- Midland-Bay-Huron-Saginaw-Tuscola-Sanilac-Shiawassee-Genesee-Lapeer- St. Clair-Livingston-Oakland-Macomb-Washtenaw-Wayne-Lenawee-Monroe- 320 AM EDT Tue May 19 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. A greater risk exists southeast of a line from Howell to Sandusky. 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 40 to 45 mph. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .SPOTTER INFORMATION STATEMENT... Spotter activation may be needed late this afternoon and evening. LCZ460-LEZ444-LHZ361>363-421-422-441>443-462>464-200730- 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- 320 AM EDT Tue May 19 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 mph. A small craft advisory is in effect through this evening. Refer to the latest marine forecast for details. .DAYS TWO THROUGH SEVEN...Wednesday through Monday No hazardous weather is expected at this time. .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
Special Weather Statement
National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac MI
904 AM EDT Tue May 19 2026
MIZ075-076-191400-
Washtenaw MI-Wayne MI-
904 AM EDT Tue May 19 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT WAYNE AND EASTERN WASHTENAW
COUNTIES THROUGH 1000 AM EDT...
At 903 AM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from near Dixboro to near Ypsilanti to near Willis.
Movement was northeast at 40 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects.
Strong thunderstorms will be near...
Livonia, Romulus, Canton, and Belleville around 910 AM EDT.
Northville around 915 AM EDT.
Taylor and Dearborn around 920 AM EDT.
Greenfield Village around 925 AM EDT.
Wyandotte around 930 AM EDT.
Detroit around 935 AM EDT.
Downtown Detroit around 940 AM EDT.
Belle Isle around 945 AM EDT.
Other locations impacted by these storms include Whittaker,
Melvindale, Gibraltar, New Boston, Rockwood, Harper Woods, Westland,
Grosse Pointe Shores, Ecorse, and Grosse Pointe Woods.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
Torrential rainfall is also occurring with these storms and may lead
to localized flooding. Do not drive your vehicle through flooded
roadways.
&&
LAT...LON 4209 8329 4208 8377 4243 8375 4245 8285
4235 8293 4232 8306 4229 8309 4224 8313
4211 8313 4202 8319
TIME...MOT...LOC 1303Z 246DEG 37KT 4232 8359 4224 8356 4210 8359
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.00 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
KGKPreliminary Local Storm Report...Summary
National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac MI
1041 AM EDT Tue May 19 2026
..TIME... ...EVENT... ...CITY LOCATION... ...LAT.LON...
..DATE... ....MAG.... ..COUNTY LOCATION..ST.. ...SOURCE....
..REMARKS..
0324 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 1 NW Rochester Hills 42.66N 83.17W
05/18/2026 Oakland MI Trained Spotter
Report of large tree limb down on house causing damage
to roofing
0328 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Adrian 41.90N 84.04W
05/18/2026 Lenawee MI 911 Call Center
Sporadic trees reported down across the entire county,
but particularly in and around Adrian.
0400 PM Tstm Wnd Gst Tri Cities Intl Airport 43.53N 84.08W
05/18/2026 M56 mph Saginaw MI ASOS
Measured at KMBS - MBS International Airport
0400 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 E Hemlock 43.42N 84.19W
05/18/2026 Saginaw MI Trained Spotter
24 inch diameter healthy tree down
0403 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 3 SE Antrim Center 42.79N 84.06W
05/18/2026 Shiawassee MI Public
Photo of a healthy tree down across road. Estimated 1
ft diameter.
0405 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 3 SW Barton Hills 42.28N 83.80W
05/18/2026 Washtenaw MI Emergency Mngr
report of multiple power lines down
0412 PM Tstm Wnd Gst Tri Cities Intl Airport 43.53N 84.08W
05/18/2026 M63 mph Saginaw MI ASOS
Measured at KMBS - MBS International Airport
0414 PM Tstm Wnd Gst Livingston County Airpo 42.63N 83.98W
05/18/2026 M45 mph Livingston MI AWOS
Measured at KONZ - Livingston County Airport
0416 PM Tstm Wnd Gst Saginaw Harry Browne Ai 43.43N 83.86W
05/18/2026 M60 mph Saginaw MI AWOS
Measured at KHYX - Harry Browne Airport
0417 PM Tstm Wnd Gst Dundee 41.96N 83.66W
05/18/2026 M81 mph Monroe MI Trained Spotter
Measured on a handheld anemometer
0418 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Saginaw Harry Browne Ai 43.43N 83.86W
05/18/2026 Saginaw MI Trained Spotter
Report of multiple trees down near Harry Brown Airport
0418 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Mount Morris 43.12N 83.70W
05/18/2026 Genesee MI Trained Spotter
Large tree limbs down on powerlines.
0421 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 NW Flint 43.05N 83.71W
05/18/2026 Genesee MI Public
Mulitple large limbs and powerlines down.
0424 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Chilson 42.53N 83.86W
05/18/2026 Livingston MI Public
Report of a tree down
0424 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 3 SE White Lake 42.63N 83.46W
05/18/2026 Oakland MI Amateur Radio
Report of a large tree on home
0426 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 1 NE Essexville 43.62N 83.83W
05/18/2026 Bay MI Amateur Radio
Report of 10 to 12 inch tree limbs down
0430 PM Marine Tstm Wind Lexington Harbor 43.27N 82.52W
05/18/2026 M51 mph Sanilac MI Mesonet
0435 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg Carleton 42.06N 83.39W
05/18/2026 Monroe MI 911 Call Center
Reports of trees and wires down in the county,
especially across northern sections of the county.
0435 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 1 SE Fenton 42.79N 83.71W
05/18/2026 Genesee MI NWS Employee
Large tree limb down.
0445 PM Tstm Wnd Gst Oakland County Intl Air 42.66N 83.41W
05/18/2026 M58 mph Oakland MI ASOS
Measured at KPTK Pontiac Airport
0450 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 E Otter Lake 43.22N 83.43W
05/18/2026 Lapeer MI Trained Spotter
Report of 3ft diameter pine tree down
0450 PM Marine Tstm Wind Saginaw Bay South 43.81N 83.72W
05/18/2026 M55 mph Bay MI Buoy
0452 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 S Sebewaing 43.70N 83.46W
05/18/2026 Huron MI Public
Photo of healthy tree snapped near base
0454 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg S Wyandotte 42.21N 83.15W
05/18/2026 Wayne MI Public
Social media photos of large tree limb down and small
tree snapped
0455 PM Marine Tstm Wind 1 W Sand Point 43.91N 83.38W
05/18/2026 M55 mph Huron MI Mesonet
0457 PM Tstm Wnd Gst Ann Arbor Municipal Air 42.22N 83.74W
05/18/2026 M49 mph Washtenaw MI ASOS
Measured at KARB
0500 PM Marine Tstm Wind Caseville Light 43.95N 83.29W
05/18/2026 M59 mph Huron MI Mesonet
0500 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 E Deford 43.51N 83.15W
05/18/2026 Tuscola MI Public
Social media photo of a healthy tree snapped
0512 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 3 W Juhl 43.36N 83.01W
05/18/2026 Sanilac MI Public
Large tree limb and powerlines down.
0518 PM Tstm Wnd Gst Detroit City Airport 42.41N 83.01W
05/18/2026 M43 mph Wayne MI ASOS
Measured at KDET - Detroit City Airport
0519 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 1 SW Utica 42.62N 83.03W
05/18/2026 Macomb MI Amateur Radio
Report of a large tree down on house and car
0519 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 3 W Utica 42.64N 83.07W
05/18/2026 Macomb MI Amateur Radio
Report of tree down on power line
0522 PM Marine Tstm Wind Peche Island Light 42.36N 82.91W
05/18/2026 M53 mph Wayne MI Buoy
0523 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 2 SE Shelby Township 42.66N 82.99W
05/18/2026 Macomb MI Trained Spotter
Report of trees down near 22 mi and Schoenherr Rd and
23 mi and Schoenherr Rd
0527 PM Tstm Wnd Dmg 1 N Waldenburg 42.67N 82.94W
05/18/2026 Macomb MI Public
Social media photo of healthy tree snapped
0527 PM Marine Tstm Wind Detroit River Light 42.00N 83.14W
05/18/2026 M51 mph Monroe MI Buoy
0530 PM Marine Tstm Wind 1 E Harbor Beach 43.85N 82.64W
05/18/2026 M51 mph Huron MI Mesonet
0533 PM Marine Tstm Wind Selfridge ANGB 42.62N 82.83W
05/18/2026 M49 mph Macomb MI ASOS
0544 PM Marine Tstm Wind Grosse Pointe YC 42.43N 82.87W
05/18/2026 M51 mph Wayne MI Mesonet
0545 PM Marine Tstm Wind Lexington Harbor 43.27N 82.52W
05/18/2026 M48 mph Sanilac MI Mesonet
0600 PM Marine Tstm Wind 5 NE Lexington North 43.37N 82.45W
05/18/2026 M63 mph LHZ443 MI Ship
0600 PM Marine Tstm Wind 1 W Riverside 42.56N 82.65W
05/18/2026 M49 mph St. Clair MI Mesonet
&&
EVENT NUMBER DTX2600464 DTX2600481 DTX2600463 DTX2600467 DTX2600473
DTX2600468 DTX2600465 DTX2600475 DTX2600474 DTX2600466 DTX2600469
DTX2600503 DTX2600501 DTX2600483 DTX2600484 DTX2600470 DTX2600487
DTX2600482 DTX2600502 DTX2600471 DTX2600472 DTX2600488 DTX2600480
DTX2600489 DTX2600490 DTX2600476 DTX2600491 DTX2600492 DTX2600504
DTX2600477 DTX2600478 DTX2600479 DTX2600496 DTX2600485 DTX2600493
DTX2600497 DTX2600494 DTX2600498 DTX2600499 DTX2600495 DTX2600486
DTX2600500
BTSpecial Weather Statement
National Weather Service Detroit/Pontiac MI
217 PM EDT Tue May 19 2026
MIZ063-068>070-075-076-191915-
Livingston MI-Macomb MI-Oakland MI-Washtenaw MI-St. Clair MI-
Wayne MI-
217 PM EDT Tue May 19 2026
...STRONG THUNDERSTORMS WILL IMPACT NORTHERN WAYNE...OAKLAND...
MACOMB...NORTHEASTERN ST. CLAIR...SOUTHEASTERN LIVINGSTON AND
NORTHERN WASHTENAW COUNTIES THROUGH 315 PM EDT...
At 217 PM EDT, Doppler radar was tracking strong thunderstorms along
a line extending from Milford to Hamburg to near Chelsea. Movement
was northeast at 45 mph.
HAZARD...Winds in excess of 40 mph and half inch hail.
SOURCE...Radar indicated.
IMPACT...Gusty winds could knock down tree limbs and blow around
unsecured objects. Minor damage to outdoor objects is
possible.
Strong thunderstorms will be near...
Novi, Brighton, Milford, Dexter, Hamburg, South Lyon, and Whitmore
Lake around 220 PM EDT.
Pontiac around 230 PM EDT.
West Bloomfield around 235 PM EDT.
Rochester around 245 PM EDT.
Romeo around 250 PM EDT.
Troy around 255 PM EDT.
Armada around 300 PM EDT.
Other locations impacted by these storms include Anchorville,
Franklin, Keego Harbor, Waterford, Hudson Mills Metropark, Shelby
Township, Commerce, Ray Center, Utica, and Auburn Hills.
PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS...
If outdoors, consider seeking shelter inside a building.
These storms 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 700 PM EDT for
southeastern Michigan.
&&
LAT...LON 4263 8254 4252 8273 4254 8281 4247 8283
4243 8290 4225 8410 4248 8391 4266 8361
4307 8244
TIME...MOT...LOC 1816Z 240DEG 41KT 4258 8357 4245 8377 4233 8396
MAX HAIL SIZE...0.50 IN
MAX WIND GUST...40 MPH
BTThe Detroit radar (KDTX), 23 km away, was scanning. The volume nearest the first event began at 18:30 UTC.
12 thunderstorm wind, 1 hail. Local standard time, as filed.
Several snapped trees reported at Kensington Metro Park.
Downed tree and large tree limbs.
A large tree was blown down across Elizabeth Lake Road, just west of Williams Lake Road. Numerous large tree limbs were also reported down near the intersection of Cooley Lake Road and Elizabeth Lake Road.
A large tree was snapped, and several large tree limbs were blown down. One of the limbs fell and crushed portions of a camper.
Trees and wires reported down by dispatch.
Multiple trees were reported down at Stony Creek Metropark.
Trees and power lines were reported down across portions of northern and northwestern Macomb County.
Tree reported down, along with large tree limbs.
A few large tree limbs and power lines were reported down.
Estimated 60-mph thunderstorm wind gust and pea-sized hail.
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: 1339395, 1339394, 1339397, 1339401, 1339396, 1339403, 1339399, 1339402, 1339393, 1339405, 1339406, 1339407, 1339404.