KALAMAZOO, Mich. — Two tornadoes were confirmed to have touched down in West Michigan on Thursday night, June 11, 2026, one in Kent County and the other in Barry County.
The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids released information on the two twisters over the weekend after storm survey findings had been compiled.
Both tornadoes were rated EF0 and were estimated to have occurred at the same time, from 9:31 to 9:34 p.m., along the leading edge of a severe thunderstorm.
Kent County EF0
According to the preliminary survey results, the Kent County tornado touched down 2 miles east-southeast of Caledonia, near and north of 100th Street just east of the Thornapple River near Alaska Avenue Southeast.
The NWS said the twister reached peak intensity while moving through the southern part of Saskatoon Golf Club, where significant tree damage occurred.
An EF0 tornado was confirmed to have touched down in southeastern Kent County during severe storms on Thursday night, June 11, 2026. The tornado had maximum wind speeds estimated up to 85 mph. (WWMT)
The Kent County tornado had maximum winds estimated at 85 mph, traveled 4.25 miles and had a maximum width of 75 yards, according to the storm survey results.
No injuries or fatalities were reported.
Barry County EF0
The NWS said another brief tornado initially touched down about 2 miles south-southwest of Irving, north of Bowens Mill Road between Yankee Springs Road and North Peets Road.
After crossing North Peets Road, the most intense damage was observed along North Whitmore Road, where tree damage was more extensive and a house was covered in fallen branches, the NWS said.
An EF0 tornado was confirmed to have touched down in Barry County during severe storms on Thursday night, June 11, 2026. The tornado had maximum wind speeds estimated up to 75 mph. (WWMT)
After lifting just shy of 3 miles east of where it touched down, the same thunderstorm went on to produce sporadic pockets of straight-line wind damage from North Irving Road all the way into the north side of Hastings.
The Barry County tornado had maximum winds estimated at 75 mph, traveled 2.9 miles and had a maximum width of 50 yards, according to the storm survey results.
A busy season thus far
With the two additional tornadoes confirmed to have touched down in West Michigan, the statewide total now stands at 20 in 2026.
Following the confirmation of 2 tornadoes in West Michigan on Thursday night, June 11, 2026, Michigan’s tornado tally now stands at 20 so far this year. (WWMT)
Michigan averages about 15 tornadoes a year, with a seasonal peak typically expected in May and June.
This season got off to an early start on March 6, when four tornadoes touched down in West Michigan, including an EF2 in Three Rivers and an EF3 in Union City.
The storms Thursday were part of a larger severe weather outbreak on June 11, 2026, which brought more than 30 tornadoes to the Midwest, with some of the strongest occurring in Illinois and Indiana.
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