Following a series of intense storms in Michigan on Tuesday, residual gusty winds persisted, causing disruptions. These winds, capable of downing trees onto infrastructure and vehicles, also led to power outages. The phenomenon responsible, known as a "wake low," occurs when localized low-pressure zones form behind a thunderstorm front, with high-pressure zones developing in areas experiencing rainfall. This disparity in pressure causes air to move from high to low-pressure areas, generating strong winds in the process.
High pressure developed in or just behind the storm line, while low pressure formed as the system exited. Michigan, particularly in the Upper Peninsula and northern Lower Michigan, experienced notable impacts, including widespread power outages, especially north of Saginaw. A weather station in West Branch documented the rapid pressure changes and associated wind gusts as the storm advanced and receded.
Source: mlive.com
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