Top Windiest Cities and Towns in Michigan

Michigan averages 30 days of thunderstorm activity annually. Tornadoes are all too common along the southern border, averaging 17 per year.

In this article, we’ll look specifically at average wind speed followed by thunderstorm wind speeds and their impact on your home.

Understanding these factors is vital, not just from a weather enthusiast’s perspective but also for homeowners concerned about the integrity of their property. We recognize the direct correlation between severe weather conditions and their potential risks to your home’s foundation. This knowledge is crucial in preparing for and mitigating the damages caused by these natural forces. By exploring these topics, we aim to provide insights and practical advice on protecting your home’s foundation from the adverse effects of high wind speeds and thunderstorms.

Windiest Cities and Towns in Michigan: Average Wind Speed

We’ve reviewed the average wind speed information at City-Data to find the top 20 cities in Michigan for the highest average wind speed. We’ve chosen only those cities with populations of 6,000 or more.

#	City/Town	MPH
1	Norton Shores	10.6
2	Muskegon Heights	10.6
3	Grand Haven	10.6
4	Muskegon	10.6
5	Ludington	10.4
6	Allendale	10.3
7	Highland Park	10.3
8	Grosse Pointe Park	10.3
9	Huntington Woods	10.3
10	Detroit	10.3
11	Harper Woods	10.3
12	Fraser	10.3
13	Berkley	10.3
14	Grosse Pointe Farms	10.3
15	Center Line	10.3
16	Clawson	10.3
17	Mount Clemens	10.3
18	Ferndale	10.3
19	Grosse Pointe Woods	10.3
20	Oak Park	10.3

Windiest Cities and Towns in Michigan: Thunderstorm Winds

Average wind speed can tell us quite a bit about local conditions, but thunderstorm winds can really show what can happen with high winds in Michigan. 

We’ve reviewed NOAA’s National Centers for Environmental Information’s Storm Events Database. In the range of Nov. 1, 2019, to Nov. 30, 2020, they identified 68 places affected by thunderstorm winds. 

Here are the top 20 ranked by recorded wind speed. Note that duplicate listings of the same town or same thunderstorm at a lower wind speed have been omitted from our ranking.

#	City/Town	MPH
1	Forest Dunes, Van Buren County	87
2	Hisula, Houghton County	83
3	Pequaming, Baraga County	83
4	Zeba, Baraga County	75
5	Crystal Falls, Iron County	74
6	Ravenna, Muskegon County	70
7	Alston, Houghton County	70
8	Pelkie, Baraga County	70
9	Basswood, Iron County	70
10	Grandville Airport, Kent County	65
11	Ewen, Ontonagon County	65
12	Gibbs, Iron County	65
13	Baraga, Baraga County	65
14	Graafschap, Allegan County	63
15	Ypsilanti, Washtenaw County	62
16	Kellogg Airport, Calhoun County	61
17	Lanse, Baraga County	61
18	Gotts Corners, Huron County	61
19	Tri-City Airport, Saginaw County	60
20	Fawn River, St. Joseph County	60

The top listed wind speed of 87 mph at Forest Dunes on June 26, 2020, caused $1 million in property damage across a wide area. The severe thunderstorm downburst brought down a number of trees as well as garages and outbuildings.

Property damage in Basswood on Aug. 9, 2020, amounted to $150,000 with at least 100 trees down, damaging homes around Golden Lake in Iron County.

Local Wind Statistics: Understanding the Impact in Michigan Cities

We’ve dug slightly deeper into the average storm winds for the locations in Michigan where we have offices.

Average winds in Grand Rapids are 9.8 mph. That’s down a bit from the top-ranked city at 10.6 mph. In Kent County, the storm on June 10, 2020, saw winds of 65 mph with $100,000 in property damage, as well as downed trees and power lines.

The Detroit area’s wind average is 10.3 mph. Wayne County saw winds of 55 mph during a thunderstorm on June 26, 2020. That brought down the usual trees and power lines.

Traverse City’s average is 8.7 mph. A thunderstorm on June 10, 2020, brought high winds up to 54 mph with trees down and flooding.

Impact on Your Home from Winds and Storms 

The impact of wind on a home’s foundation is a critical yet often overlooked aspect of storm damage. High winds, particularly those accompanying thunderstorms, can cause significant structural strain.

When winds are strong enough, they can lead to soil displacement and erosion around the foundation, undermining its stability. Furthermore, wind-driven rain can exacerbate existing issues, such as cracks or weak points in the foundation, leading to water infiltration, mold growth, and further weakening of structural integrity. In areas like Michigan, where wind speeds can be particularly high, understanding and addressing these risks is essential for maintaining the longevity and safety of your home.

The National Weather Service has built a wind estimation scale designed to give observers a way to judge wind speed. Here are the details.

Consult Foundation Systems of Michigan

As you can tell, strong winds can do a great deal of damage to trees, utility lines, signs, and homes. Plus, the flying debris can cause still further damage. That’s been readily apparent with the thunderstorms throughout Michigan.

We’re hopeful that high winds won’t damage your home’s foundation. Even so, rainwater driven by wind can find its way into your basement or crawl space if there are any cracks or if the water accumulates around your home.

To ensure your home is fortified against these elements, we urge you to take a proactive step. Contact Foundation Systems of Michigan for a comprehensive, no-cost inspection and repair estimate. Our team of experts will meticulously assess your basement or crawl space, pinpointing any vulnerabilities that heavy rains and potential flooding could exacerbate. Protect your home now and secure your peace of mind by scheduling your free consultation today.

FAQs

Should I be concerned about tree roots after a windstorm?

Yes, uprooted trees and shifting roots can disturb the soil and impact your foundation’s stability.

Why should I schedule a foundation inspection after a windstorm?

An inspection can identify hidden damage and prevent minor issues from becoming major problems, ensuring your home’s safety and stability.

How can I tell if my foundation is damaged after a windstorm?

Look for visible cracks, uneven floors, water seepage, and other signs of structural distress.

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with more than ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.