Severe thunderstorms cause dangers and power outages in southern Michigan
Tips for dealing with power outages
Here are some safety tips for dealing with power outages from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Detroit Free Press
Another early summer storm has hit the southern half of Michigan.
As of 9:20 a.m., the storm had left 142,390 Consumers Energy customers and 2,320 DTE Energy customers without power statewide.
More: Severe thunderstorms in Michigan: Live weather, radar updates
In southwest Michigan, the National Weather Service issued a warning at 6:30 a.m. for Grand Rapids residents to seek shelter with winds of 70-80 mph. Tornado sirens were reportedly heard in Kentwood.
In addition, the storm caused dangerous beach conditions along the Lake Michigan shoreline with high waves and strong rip currents reaching as far north as Mason County and extending through Oceana, Muskegon, Ottawa, Allegan and Van Buren counties. The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids advises people to stay out of the water and off piers to avoid being pulled into deeper water by strong waves.
Michigan meteorologist Bill Steffen reported a storm surge on Lake Michigan at Holland State Park in Holland and said water levels are still rising. He said waves rose from 3 feet to 7.2 feet in an hour, according to his posts on X.
A flood warning has also been issued for parts of Van Buren County. Rain gauges indicate the area has already received 2 inches of rain and another 1 inch could fall by 10 a.m., potentially causing flooding in towns and small rivers, according to the NWS. The warning is expected to remain in effect until noon today.
In south-central Michigan, wind gusts of up to 50 mph and small hail, as well as torrential rain in Jackson and Livingston counties, could down tree limbs, knock over unsecured objects and cause other damage. The National Weather Service warns that the storms could intensify, so residents in those areas should monitor radio and television stations for updates and possible warnings.
More: It’s storm season in Michigan: How to deal with fallen, damaged trees
As the storms reached southeast Michigan, the NWS issued a severe thunderstorm warning with winds between 40 and 50 mph and pea-sized hail in Lapeer, Oakland, Macomb, Wayne and St. Clair counties. A special weather advisory with gusty winds was also issued for Tuscola, Bay, Saginaw, Western Huron and Midland counties.
At Bishop Airport in Flint, morning flights to Chicago O’Hare Airport were delayed due to severe weather in the Midwest.
In other southern counties along the Indiana-Ohio border, severe thunderstorm warnings are in effect until 11 a.m.
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