Categories: Michigan Breaking NewsMichigan DisastersMichigan News

Severe Storms Strike Michigan, Leaving Thousands Without Power

A severe storm clouds loom over Michigan, warning of imminent weather hazards.

News Summary

A severe storm system has hit Michigan, causing tornado warnings and widespread power outages for nearly 200,000 customers, particularly in western and central regions. Winds reached up to 70 mph, and hail was expected in various counties. Authorities issued multiple alerts as residents took precautions to ensure their safety. Consumers Energy deployed over 500 crew members to restore power amidst ongoing risks of severe weather as the state braces for potential additional storms.

Lansing, Michigan – A severe storm system has swept across Michigan, resulting in tornado warnings and widespread power outages affecting nearly 200,000 customers. The storm, characterized by high winds and intense thunderstorms, posed significant risks to residents throughout the state, particularly in western and central regions.

As of early Friday morning, approximately 200,000 Consumers Energy customers remained without power, mainly concentrated in west Michigan between Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor. In addition, DTE Energy reported around 1,000 customers were experiencing outages as the storm made its way through the area. Tornado warnings were active in several counties, including Livingston, Saginaw, and Ingham, prompting residents to seek shelter away from windows and in secure locations.

Specifically, tornado warnings were in effect for:

Northeast Saginaw County
Southern Bay County
Southeast Midland County until 12:45 a.m.
Saginaw County until 1:00 a.m.
Ingham County until 12:15 a.m.
Northeast and southern Kent
Northeast Eaton
Northeast Allegan
Southern Ionia
Northeast Barry counties
Northeast Calhoun County

While some of these warnings have since expired, areas still faced the threat of perilous weather conditions. Residents in mobile homes were particularly advised to take precautions due to the heightened risk of damage or destruction amid the severe weather. Flying debris also posed an imminent danger for individuals without appropriate shelter.

In addition to tornado warnings, Metro Detroit experienced a risk of thunderstorms with potential for severe storms expected until 3 a.m. Friday. Conditions included anticipated hail up to 1.5 inches and damaging winds reaching as high as 70 mph. The storm system was projected to be moving northeast at approximately 45 mph, resulting in widespread concern and precautionary measures across the state.

A tornado watch was issued until 5 a.m., covering 37 counties in western and central Lower Michigan, though it expired at 3 a.m. Friday. Along with the ongoing warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for numerous counties, including Benzie, Manistee, Van Buren, and others. Wind gusts in these areas were reported to reach up to 70 mph, alongside the possibility of golf ball-sized hail.

The National Weather Service issued alerts regarding the likelihood of injuries to individuals and animals outdoors, as well as potential damage to homes, vehicles, and other structures. Areas in southwest, west-central, and south-central Lower Michigan were designated as being at “enhanced risk,” with the remainder of the state classified at a “slight risk” for severe weather events.

In response to the escalating power outages and safety concerns, Consumers Energy deployed more than 500 crew members to assist in restoring service to affected areas promptly. As the day progressed, forecasts indicated the potential for another round of strong to marginally severe storms to develop Friday evening as a cold front moved through the region, maintaining an atmosphere of concern among residents.

Despite the risks associated with the storms, current daytime highs in most of Michigan were predicted to reach the 80s, with breezy conditions and gusts of 30 to 40 mph as a leading factor for the unsettled weather. Following this series of storms, temperatures in Lower Michigan are expected to dip below freezing by Sunday night, leading to frost conditions in areas north of U.S.-10, offering a sharp contrast to the warm conditions experienced earlier in the week.