Ask Ellen: Is severe weather common in February?
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Thunderstorms are expected Tuesday with a few of them possibly becoming strong enough to do damage. This has one viewer asking, “Is this usual for February?”
While severe weather can occur in any month of the year, it is very rare for February in Michigan.
Severe thunderstorms possible Tuesday night
According to West Michigan Weather Stats, the most thunderstorm days ever recorded in February was three total, occurring in 1954 and 1938.
Currently, Grand Rapids has received two thunderstorm days so far this February. As for severe weather reports, there have only been four Februaries on record with reported severe weather since 1950. Two of those years reported tornadoes.
FEBRUARY 2017 TORNADOES
Four tornadoes touched down in Michigan between Feb. 28 and March 1, 2017 in Michigan. Each was rated EF1 in strength with peak winds ranging from 90 mph to 110 mph in strength.
The tornado that touched down in Niles, Michigan was only on the ground for 0.5 miles with the tornado in Dowagiac, Michigan staying on the ground for the longest distance, 5 miles.
Below is a picture of damage reported from the Niles, Michigan EF1.
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FEBRUARY 1974 TORNADO
An EF2 tornado was reported to have touched down in Wayne County on Feb. 28, 1974 with wind speeds ranging from 111 mph to 135 mph. This tornado was reported to be 150 feet wide and only on the ground for a measured 500 feet. It produced minimal damage at the Crosswinds Marsh Preserve where it was reported.
The remaining severe weather reports for February were reported in 2006 and 1999, where a handful of low-end severe wind gusts were reported scattered across the state of Michigan.
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