Michigan Already Near Annual Tornado Average Before May

We just got done dealing with a brutal Michigan winter. And now it looks like we could be in for an equally brutal spring here in Mid-Michigan.

If you were to ask an AI bot like ChatGPT how many tornadoes have popped up in Michigan in 2026, it will try to convince you that there have been only four. But many other human sources, from meteorologists to storm chasers, have a much higher number.

READ MORE: Did a Tornado Hit Mid-Michigan Last Night?

We’re not even deep into spring yet, and we’re already seeing too many tornadoes pop up across Mid-Michigan, as of 3pm on 4/16/2026.

What We Know About The Mid-Michigan Tornadoes

Tuesday night into Wednesday morning, storms rolled through and dropped at least two confirmed tornadoes, one near Durand and another in the Bridgeport area. Both were rated EF-0, which is the lowest level, but that doesn’t mean harmless. We’re still talking about 80 mile per hour winds.

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The Durand tornado was on the ground for about two minutes and stretched close to two miles based on a report from MLive. It knocked down trees, ripped siding off a home, and damaged some outbuildings. Nothing catastrophic, but definitely enough to remind you how fast things can change.

READ MORE: Historic F-5 Tornado Leaves Lasting Scars in Genesee County

Then just minutes later, another tornado touched down in Saginaw County. Similar story there. Damage to barns, trees uprooted, siding torn off. Again, short-lived, but still very real.

Michigan Tornado Count Already Near Yearly Average

And here’s the bigger picture. We’re already sitting at around 13 tornadoes in Michigan this year according to Fox 2 Detroit.

READ MORE: Man Moves From Tornado Alley to Michigan, Home Destroyed by Tornado

That’s basically what we would expect for an entire year, and we haven’t even hit May yet.

Why Michigan’s Severe Weather Season Is Starting Earlier

Typically, this is the calm before the real severe weather season ramps up. But lately, March and April have been getting a lot more active. The season is not waiting anymore, it is starting earlier. So yeah, we made it through winter. But spring is not exactly easing us into anything this year.