7 extreme weather events in Michigan caught on tape

Ready to do some virtual storm-chasing? Check out these seven extreme Michigan weather events caught on tape.

Nature is at the heart of Michigan’s appeal. Few experiences rival a breezy stroll along Sleeping Bear Dunes at sunset, a drive through Harbor Springs’ Tunnel of Trees when autumn colors abound, or an afternoon under the sun at Holland State Park. In fact, our state motto is “If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you”—and pleasant is indeed a descriptor for much of the year in our beloved Great Lakes State.

But like most places in the United States, Michigan is no stranger to severe weather. Longtime residents have lived through it all: unrelenting blizzards, massive hail, extreme heat, damaging winds, and even the occasional tornado. While we don’t have to worry about seasonal hurricanes or extreme earthquakes, our meteorologists stay busy.

And though these storms can be downright terrifying to experience, there’s a certain sense of awe in watching them unfold on video once they’ve safely passed. Here are seven extreme Michigan weather events caught on tape.

1. Tornado in Gaylord (2022)

Many Michiganders will recall a storm system on May 20, 2022, that resulted in a tornado in the small town of Gaylord. This video shows the twister’s development, beginning with swirling clouds that ultimately form a funnel and tear through the town, sending debris and power lines into the air.

In the end, the 2022 tornado remained on the ground for more than 20 minutes, covered 16 miles of land in the Gaylord area, and was classified as an EF3—the first such tornado in Michigan for a decade. Tragically, two lives were lost in the Gaylord tornado, and numerous homes, businesses, and vehicles were destroyed.

2. Waterspout on Lake Michigan (2021)

Our status as the epicenter of the Great Lakes region means that we’re prone to weather influenced by the lakes themselves—most notably, lake effect snow. But on occasion, waterspouts appear within sight of the shoreline, putting on a show that’s equally fascinating and frightening. In June of 2021, Michiganders captured footage of a waterspout along the shores of Lake Michigan from Sleeping Bear Dunes. During severe weather events, waterspouts—essentially “water tornadoes—sometimes move from water to land, so you’ll still want to keep your distance.

3. Edenville Dam collapse (2020)

When manmade technology fails to stand up against forces of nature, disaster is almost inevitable. Such was the case in the spring of 2020, when the Edenville Dam couldn’t hold its own against the force of heavy rainfall in the Tittawabasse and Tobacco Rivers. Located within Gladwin and Midland Counties, the dam was first opened in 1925 to generate hydroelectric power and prevent potential flooding in the area.

In 2020, though, the dam was compromised. Locals caught footage of the moment the dam failed—a breach that ultimately led to destruction and fear throughout the region. More than 10,000 Michiganders were displaced as a result of the flooding that followed, and a second dam (the Sanford) overflowed. Luckily, no fatalities occurred, but the damage to local communities was extensive.

4. The Great Blizzard of 1978

Ask anyone who lived through the winter of 1978 in Michigan to tell you what defined the season, and they’ll likely respond with two words: “the blizzard.” Sometimes called the Great Blizzard of 1978, the storm made its way through the Great Lakes Region, the Ohio Valley, and even parts of Ontario, Canada. From January 25-27, subzero temperatures, extreme snowfall, and wind gusts of more than 110 miles per hour swept through cities across Michigan.

In Muskegon, 33 inches of snowfall were recorded, and residents were urged to stay inside their homes until the storm passed. When all was said and done, about 20 Michiganders died as a result of the blizzard: some from heart attacks or car accidents, and others from exposure to the cold after being trapped in a vehicle.

Grand Rapids’ WOOD TV8 shared footage of the storm in 2023 to mark its 45th anniversary, detailing its massive impact on transportation, communication, and more. Do you remember where you were when the blizzard struck?

5. Hailstorm in Marion Springs (2021)

A clip taken in Marion Springs shows another not-so-uncommon occurrence during stormy weather here in the Great Lakes State: hail! Of course, it’s far less common for hail to reach the baseball-sized spheres captured in this clip from September 2021.

Hail presents a different sort of danger for Michiganders, particularly when it grows large enough to damage windshields, break windows, or cause direct harm to anyone who finds themselves stuck outdoors.

6. Lightning storm in Milford (2024)

Significant portions of the state were impacted by severe weather on August 27, 2024. Southeast Michigan was hit especially hard, with extreme winds and rainfall causing power outages for nearly 380,000 residents.

Downed power lines and trees cracked by lightning and wind devastated the region—and this footage from a Milford resident provides a glimpse into the storm’s sheer power. The lightning seems almost constant, with bolts illuminating the sky so intensely that it almost looks like daylight outside.

To watch the storm, click here.

7. Tornado in Kalamazoo County (2018)

We’ll wrap up where we began with what’s arguably one of the scariest weather events imaginable: a tornado. In September of 2018, storm chasers captured this footage of an absolutely gargantuan tornado making its way through Kalamazoo County.

The huge funnel made its way over Little Long Lake and ultimately caused damage to property in the community of Hickory Corners. Amazingly, no casualties were reported as a result of this incredible twister, likely because it largely struck a rural area.

One important note: we certainly don’t recommend stopping to snap footage of a tornado when you’re in its path—seeking shelter should be a priority whenever possible. But the awesome power of severe weather events in Michigan admittedly makes it hard to look away.