<—radar loops (reflectivity and velocity) of the storm. When I mention the severe storm of 1998, everyone thinks of the big derecho that blew through West Michigan on May 31, 1998. However, in northern Michigan, you’d hear about the big storm of Sept. 26, 1998 (10 years ago today).  The storm hit shortly after 1 p.m. and brought gusts of 100 mph to Otsego County and the Gaylord area.  Fifteen people were injured by the fierce winds.  Forty-seven homes and two businesses were destroyed and another 679 homes and 8 businesses were heavily damaged.  Damage totaled in the tens of millions of dollars.  At the Treetops resort over 4,000 trees were snapped off and toppled.  The most concentrated damage path was 12 miles long through Otsego Co.  Part of the roof of the courthouse was blown off and there was significant damage at Gaylord High School, the Middle School and an elementary school.  The National Guard was called out for a week after the storm to assist with the clean-up.  Click here for more details and lots of good pictures, courtesy of the National Weather Service in Gaylord.