UM’s Yost Arena, Veterans Memorial Park Ice Arena in Ann Arbor damaged in storms. See photos, video
Storm damage to Ann Arbor ice rink, on scene reporting
Detroit News reporter Jennifer Pignolet reports from the scene of storm damage at Veteran’s Memorial Park in Ann Arbor, April 15, 2026, after a storm ripped through the area.
Tuesday night’s storms resulted in widespread damage in Ann Arbor, where two hockey arenas sustained major structural damage.
Part of the metal roof of the University of Michigan’s Yost Arena was damaged, with roofing material seen blown off the home of the Michigan Wolverines hockey team. In addition, the east wall of the Veterans Memorial Park ice arena collapsed during the severe storm, the Ann Arbor Fire Department confirmed.
“It was a busy night for the (Ann Arbor Police Department, the Ann Arbor Fire Department, and the city’s public works department) as a strong storm went through our city in the middle of the night,” officials said Wednesday.
The damage was one of many scenes across Michigan where storms or possible tornadoes were reported.
They said the police department received more than 120 calls for service, the vast majority related to the storm, from 1:45 to 6 a.m.
Police said no injuries were reported, however.
They also urged residents to use extra caution when traveling on Wednesday morning.
Earlier Wednesday, Ann Arbor Fire Department officials said it responded to more than 75 calls by 5:20 a.m., but there are no reported injuries.
What happened at Veterans Memorial Park in Ann Arbor?
Storms tear down east wall of Ann Arbor ice rink at Vets park
High winds ripped down an exterior wall of the ice rink at Veterans Memorial Park in Ann Arbor early Wednesday morning, April 15, 2026.
“A severe storm has caused significant damage across the City of Ann Arbor,” the Ann Arbor Fire Department said in a statement. “There are currently four public works crews working throughout the city to remove fallen trees and clear roadways. Several major streets are blocked, and some traffic signals are not functioning. Please allow extra travel time and use caution when moving through affected areas.”
They also said the east wall of Veterans Memorial Park Ice Arena collapsed.
City officials said city workers began assessing the damage and cleaning up as soon as it was deemed safe to be outside.
“There are four public works crews out across the city removing fallen trees from roadways,” they said.
