WEST MICHIGAN (April 13, 2013) — The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids verified that all of the storm damage done by Saturday’s severe weather was produced by strong straight line winds, not tornadoes.
NWS Meteorologists confirm the damage across Muskegon, Newaygo, and northern Kent Counties (and others as well) is consistent with an EF-0) on the enhanced Fujita wind damage scale. The conclusion is that these winds blew at a speed of between 75 and 85 mph for a period of between three to five minutes.
Here is the text/confirmation issued by the NWS: From Jim Maczko, our Warning Coordination Meteorologist: Based on photographic evidence, radar data, video and media, Emergency management damage assessments – damage caused by the storm on April 12th in Muskegon, Newaygo, Kent (other counties impacted by the same storm) was the result of straight line wind damage equivalent to EF-0 on the Wind Damage Scale. We estimate from witness reports we have seen/heard, the strongest wind lasted between 3 and 5 minutes and peaked at an estimated 75-85 mph for a large portion of that 3-5 minutes. Damage seen throughout the path of this storm is consistent with what is typically seen from winds gusting to 75 to 85 mph for that long a period of time.
These winds were strong enough to take roofs off house, topple trees, and peel shingles and siding off structures. More storms are on the way overnight with another one to two inches of rain likely, especially north/west of Grand Rapids. Some strong to severe storms are possible with strong damaging winds again as the primary threat.
The attached photo was submitted by Cindi Vandusen-Krepps of Sparta. The heavy rain is clearly visible, the saturated ground, and the destroyed barn on their property. Just one of many structures damaged or destroyed by straight line winds.
