Severe Storms Cause Widespread Damage in Michigan

Thu Apr 16 2026 08:16:03 GMT+0000 (Coordinated Universal Time)

Powerful storms have wreaked havoc across Michigan, leaving thousands without power, damaging buildings, and uprooting trees near the University of Michigan's main campus. Structural assessments are underway as residents brace for more severe weather.

A series of powerful storms hit Michigan overnight, uprooting trees, damaging the roof of an ice arena, and causing major flooding. Wind gusts reached up to 70 mph, resulting in power outages for over 15,000 residents. Structural damage was reported at several public schools, with ongoing assessments for potential tornado activity. As additional storms move in, emergency alerts have been issued across the region.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. (AP) — Crews worked to restore power for thousands of people in Michigan on Wednesday after powerful overnight storms tore part of the roof off an ice arena, flooded streets and uprooted trees near the University of Michigan’s main campus.

Wind gusts as strong as 70 mph (113 kph) were reported at the university's football stadium, with similarly strong gusts at the Willow Run Airport. The National Weather Service crews are currently surveying damage to determine if one or more tornadoes touched down.

Another round of strong storms with potentially damaging winds was moving into the area Wednesday from states to the west.

Some public school buildings in Ann Arbor suffered structural damage and many lost power, leading to the district's closure due to a fiber outage impacting fire, phone and camera systems, and building access.

Ann Arbor Mayor Christopher Taylor stated that structural engineers were assessing damage at the city’s Veterans Memorial Park Ice Arena, where part of the roof was ripped off.

More than 15,000 people were without power in Michigan by Wednesday night.

Ripped Away Roof, Fallen Trees

One student, Seungjun Lee, described the terrifying moment when a massive tree fell outside his home, narrowly missing his bedroom. If the tree fell down a couple more feet, I would not be standing here, he said.

Meanwhile, the storm caused 2.5 inches (6.3 centimeters) of rain across southeastern Michigan by Wednesday morning, with flood watches issued for various regions.

In northern Michigan, a storm power outage resulted in the death of 1,750 steelhead trout at a state facility, leaving officials devastated.

Moving forward, more rain is expected, threatening additional flooding across the Midwest, with meteorologists warning of dynamic weather patterns that could exacerbate the situation.