Severe thunderstorms have caused widespread power outages and damage in parts of Michigan and Ohio. According to CNN, over half a million homes and businesses were left without power as a result of the storms, which brought heavy rains, strong winds, and at least one confirmed tornado.
The storms moved from southern Michigan into Ohio, with the potential for wind gusts of up to 85 mph, hail up to 1.5 inches in diameter, and possible tornadoes. Northern parts of Ohio were under a severe thunderstorm watch until early Friday morning.
In Ingham County, Michigan, an “extremely dangerous” tornado was confirmed near Williamston at around 9:30 p.m. Thursday, according to the National Weather Service Offices in Detroit and Grand Rapids. The storm caused several vehicles on Interstate 96 to overturn, trapping some drivers inside. Fortunately, there were no reported life-threatening injuries in the county, although fewer than 10 non-life-threatening injuries occurred on the interstate.
The severe weather primarily affected rural areas, with some homes damaged and barns destroyed. The roof of an assisted living center collapsed, but all occupants were safely evacuated. Damage assessments will be conducted during daylight hours.
Power outages were widespread, with 400,000 people in southern Michigan and over 200,000 people in northern Ohio affected. Detroit reported a powerful gust of 70 mph during the storms.
These storms followed an earlier round of heavy rainfall that brought 7 to 8 inches of rain to some areas of southern Michigan and northern Ohio. This earlier rainfall caused flight cancellations at the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport and road closures due to flooding.
Authorities are now working to restore power and assess the damage caused by the severe weather.