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Looking Back at Northern Michigan’s Top 5 Weather Events of 2022

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Weather varies every year, but 2022 seemed to see some exceptionally memorable weather events. From a May tornado to high temperatures, there were even several records set this year.

Below we take a look back at five of the most memorable weather events in Northern Michigan in 2022:

Radar image of the supercell thunderstorm near Gaylord (May 20, 2022)

1.  that tracked through Gaylord on May 20 tops our list. The tornado developed from a storm system that the Doppler 9 &10 Weather team was tracking across Lake Michigan earlier in the afternoon. As the system moved overland, it appeared as if it would lose strength. However, as the storm interacted with the atmospheric conditions and terrain closer to Gaylord, it began strengthening.

By 3:45 p.m., the weather team noticed a supercell thunderstorm, a strong storm that usually has rotation, on radar. As the storm moved toward Gaylord, there was indication that a tornado was on the ground. The maximum winds of 150 mph from the tornado left behind damage to several homes and businesses, that are still rebuilding. It also resulted in two deaths.

This tornado is the only tornado to go through Gaylord since records began in 1950. It is also one of the strongest to have been recorded in Northern Michigan. To read more about the damage caused by this tornado, head to the

Flooded backyard after the heavy rains on May 11

2. Big Rapids Flooding – On May 11, thunderstorms and rain moved east through the state, but then tracked back west –  processes called backbuilding and training. The uncommon direction of this storm system resulted in up to 4″ of rainfall across the Central Michigan area. Heavy rains in a short amount of time resulted in local waterways and drainage systems to be overwhelmed.

One of the hardest hit places ended up being Big Rapids in Mecosta County. Streets and homes were flooded resulting in nearly . The city and county declared a state of emergency in order to receive some funding for repairs.

 

3. November Heat & Snow – A week between events, Northern Michigan felt followed by

On Nov. 10, Houghton Lake matched its 1931 high temperature record of 71° for the day. Gaylord set a new record of 77° by the afternoon. The warm temperatures in early November were thanks to warm air being brought in from Southwest winds.

A week later, snowfall began to blanket Michigan in a lake effect snow event that lasted 5 days! Places like East Jordan got 33.1″ by the end of the event. The heavy snowfall over most of the region also resulted in several accidents including a

Hail in Harrison, MI on September 21st, 2022.

Hail in Harrison, MI on September 21st, 2022.

4. September Hail – While it isn’t unlikely to see hail in Northern Michigan, it is uncommon. Especially in September. Back on Sept. 21 early morning severe thunderstorms bring hail to Northern Michigan. The thunderstorms were the result of a passing cold front that provided enough energy to lift the air to produce thunderstorms in the early morning hours.

Several viewers in Northern Michigan shared their incredible hail photos.

 

 

 

5. An , is number five on our list.   Freezing rain events aren’t out of the ordinary for Northern Michigan during the early and late winter months, but this one in particular makes our list because of the historical twist. It occurred nearly another ice storm that caused widespread damage in the Cadillac area. In February of 1922, up to 4″ of ice fell across the region, causing wide spread damage.

The 2022 event didn’t leave behind as much ice, just a glaze of up to half an inch. Still, it is an interesting twist to fall close to the same day as an ice storm that made history.

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