DETROIT, MICHIGAN – Residents across lower Michigan awoke to the aftermath of a series of powerful storms that tore through the region, leaving a trail of destruction, power outages, and loss of life. The storms, which hit the night before, led to at least five confirmed deaths and hundreds of thousands left without power.
In the west side of the state, Kent County was littered with twisted metal and wooden beams, while in Monroe County on the east, the scene was no different. The impact of the storms reached as far as Detroit, where a major freeway was completely flooded, halting morning traffic.
Multiple confirmed tornadoes struck lower Michigan, including an EF-1 tornado north of Grand Rapids and a stronger tornado east of Lansing. Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Wayne and Monroe counties due to road and bridge closures, downed power lines, and extensive property damage.
The aftermath of the storms saw flooded basements, destroyed parks, and overwhelmed sewer systems, leading to health advisories being issued in affected areas. The sheer intensity of the storms left many residents feeling lucky to be alive, as mobile homes were tossed off their foundations and trees crashed onto homes.
The impact of the storms was not confined to Michigan’s physical landscape, as power outages affected nearly 400,000 utility customers. DTE Energy and Consumers Energy anticipated days of restoration work to bring back power to impacted areas.
The damage caused by the storms prompted officials to seek disaster relief from the state and federal governments. U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, who visited flooded neighborhoods, shared the harrowing experiences of affected communities. Downriver cities such as Flat Rock and Gibraltar, as well as Canton in western Wayne, were especially hard-hit by the flooding.
As the storms continued to wreak havoc, Canton residents were not only dealing with flooded basements and power outages, but also the closure of several businesses at a strip mall and the destruction of local parks. The immense impact of the storms led to a surge in visitors at the Canton Public Library, as people sought refuge, Wi-Fi, and workspaces.
The assessment of the storm’s impact continued, with authorities reviewing other possible tornado touchdowns in Monroe, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. The collective effort of residents, emergency crews, and officials will be pivotal in the recovery and rebuilding process.