Strong Wind in Oakland, Michigan

Strong winds funneled into southeastern Michigan when the area found itself located between two weather systems, a strong high pressure system to the west and a powerful Nor'easter to the east. Sustained winds of 25 to 35 MPH, with frequent gusts between 45 and 50 MPH, whipped through the area on Tuesday afternoon, April 16th. Tragically, the winds were to blame for a fatality at the Roosevelt Primary School in Ferndale. The winds snapped a 45 foot tall flagpole at the elementary school. The metal pole fell and struck a 5 year old kindergartner. The young girl died from her injuries. A trained weather spotter estimated wind gusts to 50 MPH in Troy (southern Oakland County). Numerous branches, power lines, and several trees were blown down by the winds. Up to 50,000 customers lost power. Total damages were roughly estimated at around $160K and primarily included damages to homes and electrical poles. Here are some of the highest wind gusts measured across the region: Grand Blanc (Genesee) 54 MPH, Harbor Beach (Huron) 50 MPH, Mt Clemens (Macomb) 48 MPH, Port Huron (St Clair) 47 MPH, Detroit City Airport (Wayne) 47 MPH, Pontiac (Oakland) 45 MPH.