EF1 Tornado Touches Down in Wayne County

No injuries reported as storm causes damage in Van Buren Township and Belleville

Apr. 6, 2026 at 2:48am

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The National Weather Service in Detroit has confirmed that an EF1 tornado touched down in Wayne County, Michigan on Saturday evening, April 4. The tornado was on the ground for approximately four minutes, with estimated peak winds of 100 mph, and caused damage including uprooted and snapped trees, downed telephone poles, and a damaged barn. No injuries or fatalities were reported.

Why it matters

Tornado events, while not uncommon in Michigan, can still cause significant property damage and disruption to communities. This tornado serves as a reminder of the importance of severe weather preparedness and the need for continued monitoring and response efforts by local authorities.

The details

According to the NWS survey, the tornado touched down at 5:46 pm in Van Buren Township and traveled northeast for just over 3 miles, ending in the city of Belleville. At its peak, the tornado caused damage including uprooted and snapped trees, downed telephone poles, and the destruction of a large barn. Elsewhere in the region, the NWS also surveyed damage in Monroe County consistent with straight-line winds.

  • The tornado touched down at 5:46 pm on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
  • The tornado was on the ground for approximately 4 minutes.

The players

National Weather Service Detroit

The federal agency that confirmed the tornado and conducted the damage survey.

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What they’re saying

“The tornado was estimated by NWS to have touched down at 5:46 p.m. in Van Buren Township. According to the federal agency, the damage path stretched just over 3 miles to the northeast, ending in the city of Belleville.”

— National Weather Service

The takeaway

This tornado serves as a reminder of the importance of severe weather preparedness in Michigan, where tornado events, while not uncommon, can still cause significant property damage and disruption to local communities. Continued monitoring and response efforts by authorities will be crucial going forward.