Devastating Storms Strike Michigan and Ohio: 5 Dead, Massive Power Outages, and Destruction

Several devastating severe storms have struck parts of Michigan and Ohio, resulting in at least five deaths and widespread power outages. The storms, which occurred late Thursday into the overnight hours, brought heavy rains, strong winds, and one confirmed tornado to the region. In Michigan alone, nearly 660,000 homes and businesses are without power. Tragically, a woman and two children lost their lives in a car crash during the storms on Thursday night. Two additional deaths were reported in Ingham County, where an 84-year-old woman died after a tree fell on her home and another person was killed in a pileup involving over 25 vehicles on Interstate 96. The severe weather also caused significant damage and destruction.

A large and extremely dangerous tornado was confirmed near Williamston, Michigan at around 9:30 p.m. Thursday. In Ingham County, farmland and some homes were damaged, and some barns were completely destroyed. Fortunately, everyone in houses and buildings in the affected area remained safe, although the roof of an assisted living center collapsed. The storms continued into Ohio, leaving more than 460,000 people without power overnight. The storm system brought with it powerful wind gusts of up to 85 mph, large hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter, and the potential for tornadoes.

Northern areas of Ohio were under a severe thunderstorm watch until 3 a.m. Friday. In addition to the immediate impacts of the storms, the region had already experienced heavy rainfall earlier in the week, causing significant flooding and disruption. Southern Michigan and northern Ohio received 7 to 8 inches of rainfall, leading to road closures, flight cancellations at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, and widespread flooding. However, the airport and roadways have since reopened.

The storms and flooding come at a time when other parts of the United States are grappling with extreme weather conditions. While the western US deals with heavy rainfall from Tropical Storm Hilary, the central US is experiencing deadly heatwaves. Hawaii and Washington are also facing devastating wildfires. As emergency crews continue to assess and address the damage caused by the severe storms in Michigan and Ohio, residents are urged to stay safe and seek shelter indoors. Power restoration efforts are underway to bring normalcy back to the affected areas.