Let’s Take a Look at the Effects of Hurricanes in Michigan

As Florida residents are beginning to assess the damage wielded by Hurricane Milton and approximately 25 tornadoes that blew through the Sunshine State, we thought we'd take a historical look at the effects hurricanes have had on Michigan.

According to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (or NOAA), there were 363 weather-related disasters from 1980 to 2023. NOAA estimates that these storms have caused $2.59 trillion in damages.

Hurricanes Impact Michigan

While we didn't feel the effects of Hurricane Helene or Milton here in our state, we have - as recently as this summer - been impacted by hurricanes in the past.

In July of this year, Hurricane Beryl was responsible for 13 deaths and left about 2.5 million people in the US without power for days. The storm also brought strong wind and heavy rainfall to the Great Lakes State.

The East Lansing area saw the most significant rainfall, with 4.15 inches of rain falling from the evening of July 9 into early morning on July 10.

A Historic Look at Hurricanes' Impact on Michigan

Historically, there have been 15 instances in the past where hurricane remnants have reached Michigan. Of course, the National Weather Service only began keeping track of hurricane data about 100 years ago in 1921.

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According to the NWS, the first tropical storm that brought rain to Michigan occurred in 1923. On October 18 of that year, Michigan saw .55 inches of rain, with wind speeds gusting at 22 miles per hour.

Fun Fact:  In 1953, the United States began using female names for storms. Male names weren't introduced until 1978.

Most Significant Storms Seen in Michigan

Historically, the biggest tropical storm that brought its remnants to Michigan was in 1932, long before storms were given names. That hurricane developed in the Caribbean in late August before it slowly tracked northeast to Michigan. On September 2 and 3, that system dumped 2.55 inches of rain on the Detroit area. An additional half-inch fell on September 4, for a storm total of roughly three inches.

In 1968, Tropical Storm Candy formed off the coast of Eastern Mexico. Days later, the storm weakened and tracked into Michigan, causing steady rain and thunderstorms. That storm brought a grand total of 2.55 inches of rain to Southeast Michigan.