The short answer
If your home was in the path of the April 14, 2026 tornado in Otsego and Plainwell, check the roof edge, fascia and gutters, siding, windows, decks, fences and sheds before winter, even if things looked fine after cleanup. A fallen tree or limb can crack a board, loosen siding or bend a gutter in ways that only show up once snow, ice and meltwater start working on it.
What happened in April
Late on April 14, 2026, the National Weather Service confirmed an EF1 tornado with peak winds of about 100 mph that touched down near Otsego, moved through Otsego into Plainwell and lifted near Hickory Corners. A second, weaker EF0 tornado touched down near Schermerhorn Lake south of Allegan. More than 12,500 Allegan County customers lost power. In Plainwell, the north side was hit hardest, with fallen trees landing on homes, sheds, decks and fences along Miller Road and parts of 6th, 9th and 10th streets, and Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Allegan County. Sources: Allegan County News, WMUK
Why damage shows up months later
After a storm, most people deal with what they can see: the tree on the lawn, the hole in the roof, the fence on the ground. Smaller damage hides. A limb that grazed the roof edge can crack fascia behind the gutter. A hard gust can loosen siding panels without knocking them off. Michigan winters find those weak spots, because water gets in, freezes, expands and pushes the gap wider every cycle.
Roof edge, fascia and gutters
Walk around the house and look up. Gutters that sag, pull away or overflow, peeling paint on the fascia, and dark stains running down the trim all point to water getting behind the roof edge. If a tree or big limb touched that side of the house in April, look closely there first. See our guide on signs your fascia needs repair.
Siding and windows
Look for siding panels that are cracked, wavy, loose at the bottom edge or not lined up with their neighbors. Check windows on the storm side for cracked glass, broken seals (fog between the panes) and gaps in the caulk or trim. Any opening in the outside of the house lets water and cold air in all winter.
Decks, steps and railings
A tree landing on a deck can crack joists or loosen the ledger board where the deck attaches to the house, even if the boards on top look fine. Push on the railings, look underneath for cracked or twisted framing, and check the stairs. Icy steps on a damaged frame are a real fall risk.
Sheds, fences and outbuildings
Sheds and barns that took a hit may have racked framing, meaning doors that no longer close right or walls that lean. Leaning fence posts and cracked rails get worse with frost heave. These are easier to fix before the ground freezes.
Inside the house
Look at ceilings and the tops of walls on the side that took the hit for new stains, and check the attic with a flashlight for daylight, wet insulation or water marks on the roof boards.
Insurance
If you find damage you think came from the April storm, take dated photos, then call your insurance agent. Many homeowners policies set time limits for reporting damage, so read yours and ask before you wait any longer.
What this winter may bring
NOAA's outlook for December 2026 through February 2027, driven by a strong El Niño, leans toward a warmer than normal winter in Michigan. Warmer than normal still means snow, ice and plenty of freezing and thawing in Southwest Michigan, so it is worth closing up any gaps now. Source: Michigan Public
When to call a pro
Quality Finish is based in Plainwell, and these were our neighbors' homes. We repair fascia, soffits, gutters, roof edges, siding, decks, fences and sheds across Allegan and Kalamazoo counties. If something does not look right since April, call or text 269.998.0410 and we will come take an honest look before the snow flies.
Exterior and roofline repair in Southwest MichiganCommon questions
Can storm damage show up months later?+
Yes. Cracked fascia, loose siding and damaged deck framing often look fine right after a storm and only show up once water, ice and freezing and thawing get into them.
What should I check after a tree hits my house?+
The roof edge, fascia and gutters, the siding and windows on that side, the attic for light or water, and any deck, fence or shed the tree touched.
Is it too late to fix storm damage before winter?+
Usually not. Many exterior repairs like fascia, siding, gutters and deck framing can be done in the fall. Call early so the work gets scheduled before the ground freezes.