The National Weather Service in Detroit confirmed an EF-1 tornado struck Freeland on Tuesday afternoon, touching down at 1:11 p.m. and lifting around 1:14 p.m. The twister carved a 1.44-mile path and left damage across parts of the community, including roof damage, blown-in garage doors and flipped RVs and campers.
The damage survey found the tornado had estimated peak winds of 90 mph and a width of 100 yards. Between 30 and 40 homes sustained some level of damage, with homes along Sarle Road and near Prairie View Court hit the hardest. One home lost part of its roof, a shed or outbuilding was destroyed, and several areas of tree damage were reported.
The survey, done by the National Weather Service in Detroit with assistance from Saginaw County Emergency Management, placed the touchdown just south of the Freeland Road, Washington Road and Webster Road intersection. Several homes between Freeland and Sarle roads had siding and minor roof damage, showing how even an EF-1 tornado can still leave a broad repair bill in its wake.
The remaining question is how much those repairs will cost and how quickly families can get homes, vehicles and outbuildings back in shape. For now, the official count is clear: this was a short-lived tornado, but it damaged dozens of properties before lifting east of town.
