Wild Weather, High Winds, Rain, Batter Island May 11

Wild weather pounded Mackinac Island Thursday, May 11, with rain and wind, which sent Islanders and visitors inside. Winds were clocked at 30 to 40 miles an hour, said Jeff Lutz, a meteorologist from the National Weather Service in Gaylord.

In 12 hours, more than one inch of rain fell on the area. Mackinac Island started the day at 54 degrees and ended the day at 43 degrees.

The storm consisted mainly of rain, although weak thunderstorms passed through the area and up to a foot of snow was reported in areas of the Western Upper Peninsula.

A clash of warm and cold air caused the storm front, and, according to Mr. Lutz, the storm was more typical of those seen in the fall.

The only major damage reported, according to the National Weather Service were downed trees.

Some of the Mackinaw City ferry boats were halted during periods of high wind.