Southeastern Michigan was pounded late Thursday evening and early Friday morning by a fast-moving and intense storm system. The system, which started in Wisconsin and moved over Lake Michigan, produced intense weather with multiple tornado warnings, severe thunderstorm warnings, and widespread power outages across the region.
Storm System Moves In From Wisconsin
The tumult started at approximately 9:30 p.m. Thursday evening, when the National Weather Service (NWS) issued a tornado watch in Mid and West Michigan’s Grand Rapids, Muskegon, and Ludington counties. The watch marked the beginning of what would prove to be a wild evening for much of the state.
By 11:40 p.m., the NWS issued a tornado watch for the entire Southeast Michigan region, as the storm raged its way toward the Metro Detroit area. In a matter of minutes, severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for Oakland and Livingston Counties, warning residents of the potential for damaging winds and hail.
A Rapid Fire of Tornado Warnings
In the ensuing two hours, tornado warnings were issued consecutively:
- 12:01 a.m. – Livingston County was put under a tornado warning, which was in effect until 12:30 a.m.
- 12:30 a.m. – A tornado warning was issued for northern Oakland County, which was in effect until 1:15 a.m.
- 12:40 a.m. – Lapeer County was under a tornado warning until 1:30 a.m.
- 12:50 a.m. – East central Oakland County was also included on the list of warnings.
- 1:15 a.m. – Even as tornado warnings started to time out, severe thunderstorm warnings continued in Wayne, Oakland, and Macomb Counties.
The wave of warnings left people nervous late into Friday morning. Alerts flashed on phones and blasted from weather radios as communities prepared for the worst.
Tornado Threat Spans the Region
The extreme weather was not just confined to Southeastern Michigan. There were also a number of tornado warnings issued in central Michigan, some around Lansing and Muskegon. The same cluster of storms had previously issued the same kind of alerts for Wisconsin, demonstrating the expansive reach of this violent storm system.
While not all of the warnings were for an officially confirmed tornado touchdown, the NWS highlighted that radar-suggested rotation existed. It indicates that the conditions were conducive to the formation of tornadoes.
Power Outages and Damage Reports
As the storms ravaged through, the effect was obvious. Thousands of DTE Energy customers were without power throughout Metro Detroit. Blown-down trees, broken power lines, and lightning strikes put many neighborhoods into darkness last night.
Utility workers were attempting to restore power as of Friday morning, and damage assessment teams started surveying the area. There had been reports of scattered debris, roadways flooded, and light damage to buildings and vehicles early on. Luckily, no injuries or deaths had been reported at publication time.
Remaining Prepared during Tornado Season
Spring and early summer trudge through the state of Michigan bringing severe weather, and the storm last night was a harsh reminder of how quickly it can become intense. Citizens are cautioned to remain vigilant, particularly evenings when visibility is poor and tornadoes are more difficult to spot.
The FOX 2 Weather app provides live radar, storm tracking, and alerts. It is available for free download on both iPhones and Android phones. Having a trusted source of weather data can be lifesaving in quickly developing storm scenarios.
Safety Instructions During Tornado Warnings
When a tornado warning is given:
- Go inside right away, if possible, to a basement or an interior room that does not have windows.
- Do not travel unless absolutely necessary.
- Have a flashlight, weather radio, and emergency kit handy.
- Monitor with reliable local news sources or weather apps.
Also read : Aftermath of the Eaton Fire in Altadena: Residents Demand Real Action
The Calm After the Storm
Even though the worst appears to be over, meteorologists caution that the air could continue to be unstable through the weekend. All in all, as a citizen we expect you to stay safe and follow the protocols given by the authorities
