Severe Thunderstorms Sweep Across Michigan, Tornado Warnings Issued

News Summary

Severe thunderstorms struck Michigan on Thursday night, prompting tornado warnings in multiple counties and leaving over 206,000 customers without power. Winds reached 76 mph in Springfield and potential tornado activity was reported in Waverly. Residents are urged to seek shelter as the storms continue to pose a significant threat, particularly in Metro Detroit, where tornado watches remain in effect.

Lansing, Michigan – Severe thunderstorms, some capable of producing tornadoes, swept across Michigan on Thursday night, prompting numerous tornado warnings and leaving thousands without power across the state.

The National Weather Service has issued tornado warnings for several counties, including Livingston County until 12:45 a.m., Northern Oakland County until 1:15 a.m., and Lapeer County until 1:30 a.m. Residents in these areas are advised to seek shelter immediately if a tornado warning is issued.

As the storm system moved through, it produced wind gusts of up to 50 mph along with the threat of large hail. Preliminary reports indicated that a tornado struck Waverly, located in mid-Michigan, at approximately 11:36 p.m., causing a semitractor-trailer to overturn.

Power outages have affected over 206,000 Consumers Energy customers, primarily in western Michigan, including areas between Kalamazoo and Ann Arbor. Meanwhile, DTE Energy reported that around 4,689 customers were left without power.

Severe weather conditions were evident, with wind speeds recorded at 76 mph in Springfield, 68 mph in Grand Haven, and 61 mph in Portage. Damage reports have emerged from multiple locations, including Whitehall, Norton Shores, Battle Creek, and Tri Cities International Airport, among others. Specifically, Flint Bishop International Airport also reported significant storm-related disruptions.

Metro Detroit remains under alert for severe storms, with tornado watches in effect until 5 a.m. Friday. An enhanced risk (level 3) of severe thunderstorms has been issued for various parts of Metro Detroit, notably including Howell and Ann Arbor. A tornado watch is currently active for 37 counties in west and central lower Michigan, which is set to expire at 3 a.m. Friday.

The severe thunderstorm warnings that have been issued include affected counties like Benzie, Manistee, Van Buren, Allegan, Ottawa, Mason, Muskegon, and Oceana, warning of gusts potentially reaching 70 mph and hail size comparable to golf balls. Residents are strongly urged to stay away from windows and to move to a basement or interior room during storms to ensure safety.

Hail damage is anticipated across the region, likely affecting roofs, siding, windows, vehicles, and leading to considerable tree damage. The storm is expected to diminish as the night progresses, with thunderstorms forecasted to decrease by early Friday morning. Following the storm, sunshine and highs in the mid-80s are anticipated for the day.

Both DTE Energy and Consumers Energy have mobilized large crews to address the significant power outages resulting from the severe weather. As conditions stabilize, cooler temperatures are projected to arrive on Saturday, with the possibility of frost by Sunday night in northern Michigan.”

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Author: HERE Novi