Storms

Six months after an ice storm hit northern Michigan, some residents are still clearing debris, dealing with home repairs. Some companies, like tree services, are still in high demand and backed up. Direct financial assistance is limited for individuals

A number of community foundations are partnering with the Northern Michigan Community Action Agency to provide aid to those who suffered home or property damage by the ice storm in March.

Michigan experiences hundreds of thousands of lightning strikes each year and ranks 25th in lightning density per square mile, according to 2024 data.

A three-day ice storm in northern Michigan early this spring left 145,000 people without power, some for weeks. Three months later, clean-up efforts are focused on millions of acres of the state's forests, where broken and fallen trees could affect the forest's long-term health.

Meteorologists are warning Michganders about possible storms over the weekend. They say the biggest threat is flooding and high winds.

Northern Michigan continues to grapple with debris and forestry management.

The Community Foundation for Northeast Michigan has reopened their COVID-19 Urgent Needs Fund to help communities while they recover from the historic ice storm.

WCMU's David Nicholas interviews Katy Xenakis-Makowski, superintendent of the Johannesburg-Lewiston school district, about recovering from the ice storm and the challenges her students face.

Organizations say they're working to restore the areas before the peak outdoor tourism season begins.

Sugar maples recover better than most species, according to a researcher at the University of Vermont.