This home at 4064 West CR 950S, Silver Lake received the most damage.

SILVER LAKE — The Silver Lake Fire Department partnered with the National Weather Service of Northern Indiana to provide information to the residents of Silver Lake regarding the storm that moved through the area over the weekend.

Mark Frazier, meteorologist in charge at NWS of Northern Indiana in Syracuse, gave a presentation to discuss the weather event that happened Friday evening, May 26. The presentation was coordinated after many people believed a tornado occurred, judging by the damage that was experienced, and were upset that no warning was issued.

Frazier explained that the damage, while severe in some cases, was not believed to be caused by a tornado but was caused by other wind phenomena. This was concluded after meteorologists analyzed radar and wind velocity maps and assessed storm damage.

Frazier gave a lengthy presentation with the details of just how the wind can shift and gather enough energy to cause such damage, with the consensus being that the damage was caused by microbursts of wind. Microbursts, as it sounds, are small downward bursts of wind that punch down from the sky.

It was also considered that a gustnado was possible. Despite having -nado in the name, a gustnado is not considered a tornado. Tornados form downward from the sky while a gustnado is a relatively small whirlwind that forms from downward gusts of wind near the earth’s surface. They are short lived but can reach the impact of an EF-1 tornado.

Meteorologist predictions from earlier in the day on May 26 had Kosciusko in a slight risk for storms, with the main storm potential falling in central Indiana. Shortly before the storms hit the southern part of the county, the NWS had issued storm warnings to St. Joe, Starke, Marshall and Porter counties but had received no feedback. Frazier explained what an integral part storm spotters play for the NWS. Because radar can only detect so much and can give false or poor readings, the NWS relies on feedback to keep aware of the magnitude of a given storm. With no feedback from the four counties, the department was hesitant to release potentially false warnings ahead of the storm. With radar showing no indication of severe weather, no warnings were given.

Frazier commented that the Northern Indiana office did, however, release special weather statements stating that storms in the area were being monitored.

“It’s not an exact science,” commented Ed Rock, Kosciusko’s emergency management director. “People are staring at screens trying to figure out what’s going to happen next.”

As the line of storms hit the Silver Lake area, a spearhead echo formed, according to a release by the NWS. This is shown by a small curvature that forms within the line of storms. While this is indication of extremely strong winds, its sudden appearance directly over Silver Lake left no time for severe storm warnings to be released.

If you are interested in becoming a storm spotter, the NWS holds classes every year to provide the skills needed. Contact the NWS of Northern Indiana office at (574) 834-1104 for more information.