Lightning — Delta, Michigan

2025-05-15 · near Escanaba, Delta, Michigan

Event narrative

Escanaba Public Safety investigator confirmed a lightning strike started a fire causing severe damage at the Bonifas Arts Center and Theater. The theater suffered heavy fire and water damage, with an estimated 6 to 9 months of closure. The arts center was closed for approximately two months.

Wider weather episode

A deep low pressure over the Upper Midwest sent multiple rounds of severe weather through the Upper Peninsula, first by an occluded front on the 15th and then with the main low pressure and associated cold front on the 16th.

View location on OpenStreetMap → (45.7500, -87.0700)

Source: NOAA Storm Events Database, event_id 1267985. Narrative written by the NWS forecast office that issued the report.