The Weather Control Panel

Early in the morning on July 11, a line of strong storms moved southeast through southern Michigan and northern Indiana and continued on into northwest Ohio. The National Weather Service was monitoring these storms with radar, but none appeared to be considered severe, defined as having winds to 60 mph or damage and/or hail 1" in diameter. The storms eventually moved out of the coverage area by mid morning.

At about 10am, a report came in from Branch County in southern Michigan. Emergency management said they found straight-line wind damage 3 miles east of  Girard, MI. In their report, they stated that numerous 2 to 3 foot diameter trees were down, and corn was lying flat in fields.

On Sunday, a few more reports of severe weather were received. In Steuben County, 3 miles south-southeast of York, IN, numerous 18 to 20 foot diameter trees were down. In Williams County, 3 miles north-northeast of Columbia, OH, an uprooted tree fell on a house along County Road R.

Large hail was reported in LaPorte County in northwest Indiana. Hail was estimated to be 1.25" in diameter, about the size of a half-dollar coin.

This event serves as a reminder that meteorology is not always an exact science; mistakes are possible. The National Weather Service did issue one Severe Thunderstorm Warning for Allen, DeKalb, Noble & Whitley counties, but no severe weather has been reported in these areas. Because the storms moved in during the very early morning, some other severe weather may have gone un-observed.

If the National Weather Service ever issues a severe weather warning for your area, seek appropriate shelter immediately. However, if you see threatening weather approaching yourself, you should seek appropriate shelter then as well. Also, if you notice any wind damage, large hail or even a tornado, report it to your law enforcement agency when it is safe to do so; they will send your report to the NWS. Your report could be part of a potentially life-saving severe weather warning message.