An historic tornado outbreak rocked Northern Lower Michigan on the afternoon and evening of October 18th.  The day started out cool and rainy, but a dry slot aloft allowed sunshine to break out in the afternoon.  Temperatures rose into the lower to middle 70s in parts of the area.  The warm and humid air was unstable enough to fuel multiple rounds of thunderstorms in the late afternoon and evening hours.  There was a tremendous amount of shear in the atmosphere, and many storms quickly became supercells with rotating updrafts.  This was an environment conducive to tornadoes, as several lines of discrete supercells crossed Northern Lower Michigan.
Northern Lower Michigan had a record six tornadoes on the day.  The previous high was five, set on June 17 1992.  Unfortunately, the Kalkaska tornado produced a fatality.  That was the first tornado fatality in Northern Lower Michigan since March 30 1976, when a single death occurred in Ogemaw County.

Tornado in OSCODA, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 19:42:00 to 18-OCT-07 19:43:00 (EST-5)
Location: COMINS
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 40.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The McCollum Lake tornado developed from the same storm that produced the Oscoda County tornado.  It produced considerable tree damage along McCollum Lake Road, near the Oscoda/Alcona County line.  Only a small part of the tornado track was in Oscoda County, but most of the damage was in this initial section.  Swirl markings were seen in nearby fields.  A few outbuildings were also damaged.  The tornado continued on into Alcona County.  Winds were estimated at 105 mph, making it an EF1.

Tornado in ALPENA, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 20:00:00 to 18-OCT-07 20:01:00 (EST-5)
Location: HUBBARD LAKE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 245.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The third tornado from this parent thunderstorm, and sixth and final tornado of the day, this one was only on the ground momentarily, with a quarter-mile long track.  However, this quick touchdown produced substantial damage near Borke Road.  One home had its second story ripped off.  A nearby mobile home was destroyed, and two barns were significantly damaged.  Some livestock (cows and chickens) were killed.  Trees in the area were also heavily damaged.  Winds were estimated at up to 110 mph, making it an EF2.

Hail in ROSCOMMON, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 15:30:00 to 18-OCT-07 15:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: LYON MANOR
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Quarter sized hail near the intersection of US-127 and County Road 104.

Thunderstorm Wind in ALPENA, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 20:02:00 to 18-OCT-07 20:06:00 (EST-5)
Location: HUBBARD LAKE
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

Thunderstorm winds caused sporadic tree damage in southeast Alpena County.  Minor damage to mobile homes occurred near Shawlani Road.

Thunderstorm Wind in ROSCOMMON, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 18:50:00 to 18-OCT-07 18:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: LYON MANOR
Magnitude: 54.00 EG
Property damage: 18.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Newspaper

Several trees were downed by thunderstorm winds south of Higgins Lake.  An oak tree fell on top of a mobile home along County Road 104, just west of Reserve Road.  The mobile home was moderately damaged.

Thunderstorm Wind in WEXFORD, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 19:00:00 to 18-OCT-07 19:00:00 (EST-5)
Location: SHERMAN
Magnitude: 58.00 EG
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A number of trees were downed by thunderstorm winds.  Four vehicles were destroyed or damaged by falling trees.

Thunderstorm Wind in GRAND TRAVERSE, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 19:10:00 to 18-OCT-07 19:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: (TVC)TRAVERSE CITY A
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A few large trees along Hammond Road were downed.

Thunderstorm Wind in CRAWFORD, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 18:50:00 to 18-OCT-07 18:50:00 (EST-5)
Location: GRAYLING
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 9.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Public

Numerous trees were downed, and siding was ripped off of a home.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEELANAU, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 19:01:00 to 18-OCT-07 19:01:00 (EST-5)
Location: GLEN ARBOR
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous trees were downed by thunderstorm winds.

Hail in OTSEGO, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 18:36:00 to 18-OCT-07 18:36:00 (EST-5)
Location: GAYLORD
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in ALCONA, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 19:55:00 to 18-OCT-07 19:55:00 (EST-5)
Location: MC GINN
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Several trees were downed by thunderstorm winds.

Thunderstorm Wind in CHARLEVOIX, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 19:47:00 to 18-OCT-07 19:47:00 (EST-5)
Location: EAST JORDAN
Magnitude: 55.00 MG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter measured a 63 mph wind gust.

Hail in MISSAUKEE, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 18:27:00 to 18-OCT-07 18:27:00 (EST-5)
Location: MC BAIN
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in MANISTEE, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 18:39:00 to 18-OCT-07 18:39:00 (EST-5)
Location: WELLSTON
Magnitude: 54.00 EG
Property damage: 4.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: COOP Observer

Six trees were blown down west of Wellston, near M-55.

Thunderstorm Wind in WEXFORD, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 18:25:00 to 18-OCT-07 18:25:00 (EST-5)
Location: CADILLAC
Magnitude: 55.00 EG
Property damage: 35.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Several trees and large limbs were knocked down in Cadillac.  One mobile home in Country Acres was destroyed by a falling tree.

Hail in ANTRIM, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 15:12:00 to 18-OCT-07 15:12:00 (EST-5)
Location: MANCELONA
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in CRAWFORD, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 18:05:00 to 18-OCT-07 18:05:00 (EST-5)
Location: GRAYLING
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 16.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

A large tree was downed onto a house, resulting in significant structural damage.

Hail in LEELANAU, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 18:36:00 to 18-OCT-07 18:36:00 (EST-5)
Location: EMPIRE ARPT
Magnitude: 1.00 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Hail in OSCODA, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 19:30:00 to 18-OCT-07 19:30:00 (EST-5)
Location: MIO
Magnitude: 1.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Hail in OSCODA, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 19:13:00 to 18-OCT-07 19:13:00 (EST-5)
Location: LUZERNE
Magnitude: 0.88 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm Wind in OSCODA, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 19:18:00 to 18-OCT-07 19:18:00 (EST-5)
Location: RED OAK
Magnitude: 52.00 EG
Property damage: 5.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Thunderstorm winds downed trees and power lines.

Thunderstorm Wind in ANTRIM, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 19:21:00 to 18-OCT-07 19:21:00 (EST-5)
Location: KEWADIN
Magnitude: 56.00 EG
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter estimated wind gusts of 65 mph in Kewadin.

Thunderstorm Wind in LEELANAU, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 19:01:00 to 18-OCT-07 19:01:00 (EST-5)
Location: NORTHPORT
Magnitude: 54.00 EG
Property damage: 6.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Law Enforcement

Numerous trees and power lines were downed by thunderstorm winds.

Hail in CHARLEVOIX, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 19:10:00 to 18-OCT-07 19:10:00 (EST-5)
Location: CHARLEVOIX
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

A spotter reported penny sized hail and 35 mph winds.

Hail in ANTRIM, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 15:33:00 to 18-OCT-07 15:36:00 (EST-5)
Location: ALBA
Magnitude: 1.50 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Trained Spotter

Tornado in ALPENA, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 17:25:00 to 18-OCT-07 17:33:00 (EST-5)
Location: LACHINE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 240.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The Long Rapids tornado touched down initially near Hodgins Road, and tracked northeast for 4 miles, ending just north of Long Rapids Road on McNeil Road.  The most concentrated property damage was near Hodgins Road.  Three homes suffered roof and siding damage, and three barns were destroyed or heavily damaged.  A garage and a shed were also destroyed, and there was substantial tree damage.  Winds were estimated at 120 mph, making it an EF2.

Tornado in OSCODA, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 19:12:00 to 18-OCT-07 19:26:00 (EST-5)
Location: LUZERNE
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 1.35M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The Oscoda County tornado may have been the strongest of the six on the day.  Thankfully, it spent almost all of its lifetime in unpopulated areas of the Huron National Forest, though that makes its strength difficult to estimate.  Tens of thousands of trees were estimated to have been uprooted or otherwise downed, and many power lines were downed.  About 16 structures were damaged, mostly outbuildings or cabins.  Three cabins, near Cherry Lane and Cherry Creek Road, were destroyed.  Winds were estimated at 115 mph, making it an EF2.

Tornado in ALCONA, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 19:42:00 to 18-OCT-07 19:44:00 (EST-5)
Location: MC GINN
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 15.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This is the 2nd segment of a tornado that originated near McCollum Lake in Oscoda County.  The damage path was sporadic in Alcona County, as the parent storm raced to the northeast.  Damage was confined to trees in Alcona County.  Winds were estimated at 105 mph, making it an EF1.

Tornado in KALKASKA, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 18:35:00 to 18-OCT-07 18:42:00 (EST-5)
Location: CROFTON
Tornado F-scale: EF2
Property damage: 1.10M
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

The Kalkaska tornado was the first killer tornado in Northern Lower Michigan in over 30 years.  It touched down just south of Crofton, and tracked north-northeast, lifting just after crossing the Kalkaska County Airport.  A home was damaged in a subdivision just south of Crofton.  The most substantial damage, as well as the fatality, occurred near the intersection of US-131 and Crofton Road.  A large metal warehouse was damaged, a single wide mobile home was destroyed, and several stick-built homes received moderate to severe damage.  The fatality and injury occurred inside the mobile home.  A 29 year old man was pulled from the mobile home, but passed away at a nearby hospital.  Numerous large trees were also uprooted.  The damage became more sporadic to the northeast, until another pocket of concentrated damage at the Kalkaska County Airport.  Several hangars and small planes were damaged, as were several homes in the area.  Sheet metal from one of the hangars was deposited near the Kalkaska Middle School.  Winds were estimated at 120 mph, making it an EF2.

Thunderstorm Wind in OTSEGO, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 20:03:00 to 18-OCT-07 20:03:00 (EST-5)
Location: GAYLORD
Magnitude: 50.00 EG
Property damage: 1.50K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Employee

A large tree was blown down by thunderstorm winds.

Hail in WEXFORD, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 20:22:00 to 18-OCT-07 20:22:00 (EST-5)
Location: CADILLAC
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Broadcast Media

Hail in GLADWIN, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 21:21:00 to 18-OCT-07 21:21:00 (EST-5)
Location: BUCKEYE
Magnitude: 0.75 
Property damage: 0.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: Amateur Radio

Tornado in CHEBOYGAN, MICHIGAN
From 18-OCT-07 16:25:00 to 18-OCT-07 16:43:00 (EST-5)
Location: TOWER
Tornado F-scale: EF1
Property damage: 30.00K
Crop damage: 0.00K
Reported by: NWS Storm Survey

This tornado produced sporadic damage, mainly to trees, as it tracked across eastern Cheboygan County.  One barn was destroyed just north of M-68, west of the community of Tower.  The tornado moved out over Black Lake, where it was photographed from the shoreline, just before dissipating.  Winds were estimated at 95 mph, making it an EF1.