- Info
past emergency events
May 5,
2003
A low
pressure system developed over the Colorado Rockies and intensified over
the plains as a warm front strengthened over the Mississippi River Valley
and progressed Northeastward. These features combined to develop
thunderstorms in Southeast Michigan along a wind shift and behind the
advancing warm front. Temperatures aloft were relatively cool, and
strong shearing winds were present which increased the threat of severe
thunderstorms.
TIMELINE
1627 Emergency
Management notified of potentially significant thunderstorms by the Storm
Prediction Center. EOC Communications Center immediately
activated.
1741 Storm Prediction Center issued Severe Thunderstorm
Watch #257 for South Central and Southeast Lower Michigan until 10:00
p.m. Local Skywarn Spotters activated.
1839 Severe Thunderstorm Warning issued until 7:30
p.m. Doppler radar indicated a severe thunderstorm 5 miles Southwest
of Chelsea. Spotters reported 1/2" to 1" hail West and South of
Chelsea.
1912 Tornado Warning issued until 8:00
p.m. Doppler radar indicated a developing tornado 5 miles West
of Chelsea moving East at 40 MPH. Numerous Spotters confirmed a
rotating wall cloud (precurser to a tornado) visible from State and I-94,
Platt and Ellsworth, and from Washtenaw and US-23 moving
East-Northeast. Spotters also reported hail from pea-sized to 1-1/2"
in diameter falling around the storm. All warning systems were
activated, including outdoor warning sirens.
1935 Tornado Warning cancelled. No tornado
touchdowns were reported, as the storm moved into Northwestern Wayne
County. No reports of structural damage or injury were
received.
2015 Skywarn Spotter activation was
terminated.
EOC radar image of hook echo (indicating a
tornado-capable thunderstorm) 6 miles West of Ann Arbor
Picture of rotating wall cloud (precurser
to a funnel cloud and tornado) taken in Ann Arbor [Mike Hurley]
Emergency Services - Sheriff's Office
