News Summary
A severe weather system has struck Michigan, leaving three people dead and over 307,000 residents without power. A tornado warning was issued for Lansing and surrounding areas, with damaging winds and large hail expected. The storm has resulted in widespread power outages, prompting a state of emergency declaration by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Recovery efforts are underway as communities work together to restore power and assess damage.
Severe Weather System Hits Michigan, Leaving Three Dead and 307,000 Without Power
The weather in Michigan certainly took a turn for the worse, with a severe weather system moving through that left many residents reeling. On Sunday evening, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning for the Lansing area, urging everyone to take cover. This warning was in effect until 7:15 p.m. and included other areas like Holt, Mason, and Michigan State University.
Severe Thunderstorm Warnings Abound
Alongside the tornado warning, a severe thunderstorm warning was put in place for Lansing and significant portions of Jackson, Ingham, Gratiot, Clinton, and Eaton counties, lasting until 7:30 p.m. Storms were expected to whip through Southwest and West Michigan with damaging winds reaching up to 70 mph. A severe thunderstorm watch was also implemented for much of Lower Michigan, including Lansing, extending until 9 p.m. on Sunday. These storms were predicted to move at speeds nearing 50 mph, bringing with them winds powerful enough to exceed 60 mph, along with the possibility of hail larger than one inch and isolated tornadoes.
Preparation is Key
Residents were advised to take cover, particularly in basements where possible, as the hazardous weather outlook warned of damaging winds and large hail. While Lansing was categorized as having a slight risk for severe storms, areas to the south faced an enhanced risk of severe weather. Sunday’s high temperature was noted to hit around 67 degrees, accompanied by an 80% chance of rain and wind gusts up to 25 mph.
Power Outages Create Chaos
As if that weren’t enough, the storm led to widespread power outages affecting approximately 307,000 customers across Michigan. Utility companies like Consumers Energy, Great Lakes Energy, DTE, and Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op reported significant outages caused by the strong winds, with some areas experiencing winds exceeding 95 mph. Restoration efforts are anticipated to span several days, with some residents potentially left without power until April 2.
A State of Emergency
In response to the disaster, Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the State of Emergency Operations Center to provide support to local officials. This activation comes alongside unfortunate news of a tragic incident where three family members lost their lives when a tree fell on their vehicle during the storm in Kalamazoo County. Several others were injured, with one in critical condition.
What’s Next?
As storm damages continue to be assessed and recovery efforts ramp up, residents in affected areas are encouraged to stay informed about the weather and remain in contact with local authorities for updates. With power restoration efforts underway and communities banding together, there is hope that life may soon return to normal for many Michiganders.
Stay safe and stay prepared, Michigan!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Lansing State Journal: Lansing Weather Forecast
- Google Search: Michigan Severe Weather
- Fox 47 News: Tornado Warning
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Severe Weather
- MLive: Michigan Storms Leave 307K in Dark
- Google News: Severe Weather Michigan
- Wilx: East Lansing Solutions for Severe Weather Flooding
- Google Scholar: Severe Weather Ordinary People
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
