The July 17th severe weather event would eventually go down as the largest and most destructive of the 2006 severe weather season. Intense thunderstorms fired along and ahead of a cold front working down from the northern Great Lakes and eventually developed into a large MCS by mid evening. The Tri Cities and thumb regions were especially hard hit during this event. Several microbursts actually produced 100 MPH wind gusts across northeast Huron county, causing quite a bit of damage. The outflow created from the storms across the north actually held together long enough to spread south. There were several reports of trees blown down in areas south of M-59, although the damage was minimal when compared to the destruction across the northern parts of the area. Very few reports of hail were received, however, golf ball size hail was reported in Saginaw County. This event caused one death and one injury in Wayne County. A couple was struck by lightning after seeking refuge under a tree.

Thunderstorm Wind in HURON, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 18:58:00 to 17-JUL-06 18:58:00 (EST)
Location: HARBOR BEACH
Magnitude: 85 EG
Property damage: 75K
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Local newspaper articles reported that the storms left behind a trail of destruction through Harbor Beach, with numerous trees, some very large, ripped from their roots and power lines down through the entire area. The storms left the entire city without power. Many vehicles and structures, including homes,  were damaged by fallen debris. Several boats were tossed about and washed ashore on Sand Point. An NWS survey confirmed that this area was struck by a microburst with winds up to 100 MPH. Remarkably, No injuries or deaths were reported. Total property damage in Harbor Beach was estimated at $75K.

Thunderstorm Wind in ST. CLAIR, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 22:30:00 to 17-JUL-06 22:30:00 (EST)
Location: ST CLAIR
Magnitude: 52 EG
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Trained spotter reported an 8 inch diameter tree limb down.

Thunderstorm Wind in LAPEER, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 18:30:00 to 17-JUL-06 18:30:00 (EST)
Location: OTTER LAKE
Magnitude: 54 EG
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A trained spotter reported a 12 inch diameter tree blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in OAKLAND, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 21:51:00 to 17-JUL-06 21:51:00 (EST)
Location: ROCHESTER HILLS
Magnitude: 53 EG
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Law enforcement reported a tree blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in TUSCOLA, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 18:15:00 to 17-JUL-06 18:15:00 (EST)
Location: FAIRGROVE
Magnitude: 55 EG
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Central dispatch reported multiple trees blown down in Fairgrove.

Thunderstorm Wind in LIVINGSTON, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 21:50:00 to 17-JUL-06 21:50:00 (EST)
Location: HOWELL
Magnitude: 55 EG
Property damage: 8K
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

A local newspaper reported several trees blown down in Howell and included a picture of a work van pinned beneath the trunk of a large tree on Barnard Street. Total damage to the vehicle was roughly estimated at $8K.

Thunderstorm Wind in LENAWEE, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 22:35:00 to 17-JUL-06 22:35:00 (EST)
Location: ROLLIN
Magnitude: 53 EG
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Central dispatch reported several trees blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in BAY, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 18:00:00 to 17-JUL-06 18:00:00 (EST)
Location: BAY CITY
Magnitude: 55 EG
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Central dispatch reported trees blown down in Bay City.

Hail in SAGINAW, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 19:35:00 to 17-JUL-06 19:35:00 (EST)
Location: MERRILL
Magnitude: 1.75 
Reported by: GENERAL PUBLIC

The public reported golf ball size hail in Merrill.

Thunderstorm Wind in SANILAC, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 19:00:00 to 17-JUL-06 19:00:00 (EST)
Location: LEXINGTON
Magnitude: 55 EG
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Central dispatch reported several trees and power lines blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in MONROE, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 22:45:00 to 17-JUL-06 22:45:00 (EST)
Location: CARLETON
Magnitude: 54 EG
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

Trained spotter reported 20 inch diameter trees blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in HURON, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 18:50:00 to 17-JUL-06 18:50:00 (EST)
Location: BAD AXE
Magnitude: 58 EG
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

A local newspaper article included pictures of large trees blown down. At least 10 large evergreen trees, over 30 feet tall, were snapped in half. Branches and pieces of tree trunks were thrown across a residents yard. The home, however, was not damaged. No injuries were sustained.

Thunderstorm Wind in SAGINAW, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 17:40:00 to 17-JUL-06 17:40:00 (EST)
Location: FREELAND
Magnitude: 58 EG
Property damage: 60K
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

A local newspaper reported numerous accounts of trees blown down across Thomas, James, and Saginaw Townships. Several homes were damaged along the Geddes and Thomas road areas. One home sustained significant damage and a destroyed garage. Another Thomas Township home's garage wall bowed out. A fallen tree also destroyed a parked vehicle in James Township. No injuries were reported. Total property damage was roughly estimated at $60K.

Lightning in MIDLAND, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 18:00:00 to 17-JUL-06 18:00:00 (EST)
Location: MIDLAND
Property damage: 5K
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Lightning struck a home, sparking a fire. Property damage was roughly estimated at $5K.

Thunderstorm Wind in SAGINAW, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 17:40:00 to 17-JUL-06 17:40:00 (EST)
Location: ST CHARLES
Magnitude: 55 EG
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

A local newspaper article included a picture of a power line and a large maple tree blown down and blocking Hosmer Street near Coal Street in St. Charles.

Thunderstorm Wind in WASHTENAW, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 22:15:00 to 17-JUL-06 22:15:00 (EST)
Location: DEXTER
Magnitude: 52 EG
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

A local nespaper article reported that 3 trees that had blown down were removed from area roadways and seven others were attended to as well.

Lightning in HURON, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 19:24:00 to 17-JUL-06 19:24:00 (EST)
Location: HARBOR BEACH
Property damage: 200K
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

A local newspaper article included a photograph of a home burned down. The fire was sparked by an electrical line blown down onto the home by thunderstorm winds. The couple was able to escape the home without injury. The value of the home itself was $150K, not including its contents. The couple lost all of their belongings in the fire. Total damages were roughly estimated at $200K.

Thunderstorm Wind in HURON, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 19:05:00 to 17-JUL-06 19:15:00 (EST)
Location: PORT HOPE
Magnitude: 85 EG
Reported by: NWS STORM SURVEY

An NWS survey confirmed trees blown down in a widespread area from Port Hope to Harbor Beach. The survey concluded that the damage was consistent with a microburst producing wind gusts estimated at 80 to 100 mph.

Lightning in WAYNE, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 23:01:00 to 17-JUL-06 23:01:00 (EST)
Location: HIGHLAND PARK
Reported by: BROADCAST MEDIA

A couple was struck by lightning after taking shelter from the rain under a tree at 2301 EST in Krainz Park near East Hildale and Justine on Detroit's east side. The pair was taken to Detroit Receiving Hospital, where the 44 year old woman was later pronounced dead. The 2nd person, a 46 year old male, survived but was initially in temporary serious condition at the hospital.

Thunderstorm Wind in WASHTENAW, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 22:25:00 to 17-JUL-06 22:25:00 (EST)
Location: DEXTER
Magnitude: 52 EG
Property damage: 15K
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

A local newspaper article reported a tree blown down across Newport Road near M-14 and another larger tree, about 3 feet in diameter, blown down on part of a house being renovated. No injuries were reported. Property damage was roughly estimated at $15K.

Thunderstorm Wind in SANILAC, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 19:15:00 to 17-JUL-06 19:15:00 (EST)
Location: SANDUSKY
Magnitude: 55 EG
Property damage: 15K
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

A local newspaper article included a picture of a large tree blown down on top of a vehicle parked next to a home. A camper and pickup truck were also damaged by the fallen tree. Property damage is roughly estimated at $15K. No injuries were reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in WASHTENAW, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 22:30:00 to 17-JUL-06 22:30:00 (EST)
Location: DEXTER
Magnitude: 52 EG
Property damage: 20K
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

A local newspaper article reported that the top 20 feet of a tree was blown down, crashing through the roof and into the kitchen of a home on Dolph Drive near Jackson Road. The residents of the home narrowly escaped injury. Property damage was roughly estimated at $20K.

Lightning in SAGINAW, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 17:45:00 to 17-JUL-06 17:45:00 (EST)
Location: SAGINAW
Property damage: 106K
Reported by: NEWSPAPER

Delayed entry. Two and half months after the incident, a newspaper article reported that lightning had caused severe damage to a Church bell tower. Lightning hit the brick spire of a Church's 76 year old bell tower, sending 300 to 400 pounds of broken rocks flying throughout the surrounding neighborhood. It will cost the Church $106K to repair the tower.

Thunderstorm Wind in OAKLAND, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 21:45:00 to 17-JUL-06 21:45:00 (EST)
Location: HIGHLAND
Magnitude: 53 EG
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Central dispatch reported a tree blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in LENAWEE, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 22:30:00 to 17-JUL-06 22:30:00 (EST)
Location: TECUMSEH
Magnitude: 53 EG
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Central dispatch reported several trees blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in OAKLAND, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 21:50:00 to 17-JUL-06 21:50:00 (EST)
Location: WHITE LAKE
Magnitude: 53 EG
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Law enforcement reported a large tree limb down.

Thunderstorm Wind in MACOMB, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 21:52:00 to 17-JUL-06 21:52:00 (EST)
Location: DISCO
Magnitude: 53 EG
Reported by: BROADCAST MEDIA

Broadcast media reported a tree blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in SHIAWASSEE, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 21:15:00 to 17-JUL-06 21:15:00 (EST)
Location: COUNTYWIDE
Magnitude: 55 EG
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Central dispatch reported trees blown down across the county.

Thunderstorm Wind in SANILAC, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 19:00:00 to 17-JUL-06 19:00:00 (EST)
Location: FORESTVILLE
Magnitude: 55 EG
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Central dispatch reported multiple trees blown down in Forestville.

Thunderstorm Wind in OAKLAND, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 22:01:00 to 17-JUL-06 22:01:00 (EST)
Location: COMMERCE
Magnitude: 53 EG
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Law enforcement reported a tree blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in SAGINAW, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 17:50:00 to 17-JUL-06 17:50:00 (EST)
Location: MERRILL
Magnitude: 55 EG
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A trained spotter reported several large trees and power lines blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in SAGINAW, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 18:05:00 to 17-JUL-06 18:05:00 (EST)
Location: BURT
Magnitude: 53 EG
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A trained spotter reported an 8 inch diameter tree blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in SAGINAW, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 17:42:00 to 17-JUL-06 17:42:00 (EST)
Location: SAGINAW ARPT
Magnitude: 57 MG
Reported by: AWOS,ASOS,MESONET,ETC

Thunderstorm Wind in GENESEE, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 21:44:00 to 17-JUL-06 21:44:00 (EST)
Location: FLINT
Magnitude: 53 EG
Reported by: FIRE DEPT/RESCUE SQUAD

Local firefighter reported a telephone pole blown down.

Thunderstorm Wind in HURON, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 18:45:00 to 17-JUL-06 18:45:00 (EST)
Location: BAD AXE
Magnitude: 55 EG
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A trained spotter reported trees blown down and estimated wind gusts of 65 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in HURON, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 18:45:00 to 17-JUL-06 18:45:00 (EST)
Location: CASEVILLE
Magnitude: 55 EG
Property damage: 25K
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A trained spotter reported numerous trees blown down. Docks were twisted and part of a decorative wall of bricks along the Pigeon River collapsed. Several homes were damaged. Total damages in this area were roughly estimated at around $25K. No injuries or deaths were reported.

Thunderstorm Wind in GENESEE, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 18:20:00 to 17-JUL-06 18:20:00 (EST)
Location: MT MORRIS
Magnitude: 55 EG
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A trained spotter reported 15 inch diameter trees blown down along I-475 at Saginaw Rd.

Thunderstorm Wind in GENESEE, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 18:18:00 to 17-JUL-06 18:18:00 (EST)
Location: FLUSHING
Magnitude: 56 EG
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A trained spotter estimated thunderstorm wind gusts of 65 mph.

Thunderstorm Wind in MIDLAND, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 17:30:00 to 17-JUL-06 17:30:00 (EST)
Location: MIDLAND
Magnitude: 55 EG
Property damage: 50K
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A trained spotter reported trees blown down in Midland. A local newspaper article also included a picture of a very large 80 foot honey locust tree lying on top of a home. The tree punched through the back sunroom of the home. A neighbor also lost a 50 foot cherry tree due to the thunderstorm winds. Several other large trees were reported blown down across the city of Midland. Midland County was hit particularly hard. Thousands of customers lost power, with most going without power for 3 to 4 days due to the extent of the tree damage across the region. The road commission responded to 24 calls of trees down across roadways. Midland firefighters responded to 50 storm related calls, most involving downed trees and power lines. The most damage in the city occurred from Nelson Street to the downtown area, and in the area of Nakoma Drive and Jefferson Avenue. At least one vehicle was damaged due to fallen debris. Property damage in the area was roughly estimated at around $50K.

Thunderstorm Wind in HURON, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 18:30:00 to 17-JUL-06 18:30:00 (EST)
Location: PORT AUSTIN
Magnitude: 57 EG
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Central dispatch reported multiple trees blown down across M-25 in and around Port Austin.

Thunderstorm Wind in SAGINAW, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 17:45:00 to 17-JUL-06 17:45:00 (EST)
Location: SAGINAW
Magnitude: 52 EG
Reported by: TRAINED SPOTTER

A trained spotter reported several 6 inch diameter limbs down.

Thunderstorm Wind in TUSCOLA, MICHIGAN
From 17-JUL-06 18:15:00 to 17-JUL-06 18:15:00 (EST)
Location: VASSAR
Magnitude: 55 EG
Reported by: LAW ENFORCEMENT

Central dispatch reported trees blown down in Vassar.