Thunderstorms rip across Michigan damaging 2 ice arenas, other structures

Severe thunderstorms swept through Michigan from Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, April 15, 2026, causing damage across the southeastern part of the state, particularly in Ann Arbor. The storms, originating from Iowa, Wisconsin, and Illinois, brought high winds, with a 70 mph gust recorded at the University of Michigan's football stadium. Two ice arenas and other structures sustained damage, and trees were uprooted. While the National Weather Service investigated for possible tornadoes, the damage appeared to be primarily from straight-line thunderstorm winds. Flooding impacted streets and neighborhoods, and some Ann Arbor public schools experienced structural damage and power outages, leading to district-wide closures due to safety concerns and a fiber outage. Another round of strong storms was expected to move into the area later Wednesday.