EF-1 Tornado Damage Confirmed in Eaton and Ingham Counties
The following is a summary of the National Weather Service storm damage survey conducted in the greater Lansing area on Monday June 9th, for the squall line that affected the area on the afternoon of Sunday, June 8th.
For a thorough explanation of the Enhanced Fujita Scale on the Storm Prediction Center’s website, click here.
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The NWS survey team first stopped in Mulliken and traveled 5 miles south of the town. Damage to trees was recorded along Mulliken Rd, Needmore Hwy, and Cochran Rd. Some large limbs were down and the occasional spruce uprooted. Winds were estimated to be up to 55 knots (63 mph) along Mulliken Rd and Needmore Hwy.
More significant damage was noted on Cochran Rd north of Needmore Hwy. Convergent damage from the west (northern extent of localized damage) and southwest (southern extent of localized damage) was noted. Numerous trees and limbs were down, a porch awning blown off, and a garage was completely destroyed in this convergent area. An EF1 tornado rating (75 knots or 86 mph) was assigned for this damage on Cochran Rd. The tornado touched down around 3:45 PM EDT.
The survey team believes the tornado continued onto Strange Hwy, briefly weakening to EF0 (65 knots or 75 mph). Multiple large trees were uprooted along Strange Hwy approaching M-100 (Hartel Rd). Upon heading north on M-100, moderate to significant roof damage was seen on 4 different houses. The tornado regained its EF1 intensity (75 knots or 86 mph).
The NWS survey team then headed east on Mount Hope Hwy and saw dozens of large spruces and maples uprooted, noticing convergent falls from the south and southwest. Four barns were destroyed. Significant roof damage to homes reappeared as well. Residents told the NWS survey team that the intense winds lasted as little as 20 seconds. One resident who lost his garage to the tornado said the sound was reminiscent of a freight train.
The tornado continued toward a subdivision on the west side of Lansing. In particular, N Cambridge road was hit with numerous large trees uprooted, a few landing on residents’ homes. The Country Club of Lansing was also affected with limbs and trees down.
The tornado created its final burst of damage at the Lansing Board of Water and Light’s Eckert Plant. A cooling tower was completely destroyed, while another tower was damaged. Workers described the scene as a “large black wall” heading toward the plant. We believe the tornado rapidly weakened and lifted immediately to the east of the plant, as damage indicators consisted of mostly some limbs down and the occasional tree uprooted.
In conclusion, the NWS storm damage survey conducted on Monday provided convincing evidence that an EF1 tornado developed over Cochran Rd about 4 miles southwest of Grand Ledge. Though briefly weakening to EF0 status shortly after descent, the tornado regained its EF1 status before finally lifting immediately east of the Eckert Plant in Lansing.
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