A waterspout touched down in Otsego County, bringing Michigan’s 2026 tornado total above the yearly average

An EF-0 tornado touched down in southern Otsego County earlier this month, marking Michigan’s 16th confirmed tornado of 2026. That number already exceeds the state’s typical yearly average of 13 to 16 tornadoes, according to the National Weather Service.

The storm was a tornadic waterspout that briefly made landfall on Big Bradford Lake near Waters on Monday, May 18. The National Weather Service confirmed the event on Wednesday, May 20, after surveying the damage.

"The waterspout produced minor damage to tree branches and free standing objects along a portion of the eastern shore of the lake," the NWS report said.

Here is what the damage survey found:

  • Wind speed: Approximately 65 mph
  • Duration: About 1 minute
  • Path length: 0.1 miles
  • Width: 20 yards
  • Time: Around 2:30 p.m. on May 18

The waterspout formed from a rotating thunderstorm, or supercell, that produced severe weather across parts of northern and central Michigan that day. According to the Lansing State Journal, the storms dropped more than 2 inches of rain in the Cheboygan area and over 1 inch at Houghton Lake, Kalkaska, and Traverse City.

Michigan’s tornado season ahead of schedule

Nine of Michigan’s 16 tornadoes this year occurred during a single severe weather event on the night of April 15. That brought the state’s total above its annual average before May had even begun.

The early activity has prompted state officials to push tornado preparedness measures. The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division announced on May 22 that it is now accepting applications for the Michigan Safe Room Rebate Program.

"We’ve already faced the threat and destruction of tornadoes multiple times this year. In a single night, nine tornadoes touched down across Michigan, just weeks after three others tore through southwest Michigan, causing widespread damage and claiming four lives," said Capt. Kevin Sweeney, deputy state director of Emergency Management and commander of the MSP/EMHSD.

Selected applicants may receive a rebate covering up to 75% of eligible costs for installing a FEMA-compliant tornado safe room. The maximum reimbursement is $7,131.75. The application deadline is June 15.

What residents should know

A tornadic waterspout differs from a fair-weather waterspout. Fair-weather versions form when warm rising air meets cooler air, similar to how dust devils develop on land. Tornadic waterspouts form from rotating thunderstorms and can move onshore, continuing to cause damage after leaving the water.

The Otsego County waterspout caused only minor damage. No injuries were reported. Residents in the Waters area and along Big Bradford Lake experienced broken tree limbs and displaced outdoor objects.

The National Weather Service in Gaylord continues to monitor severe weather conditions across northern Michigan as the peak tornado season approaches.