Deadly storm leaves hundreds of thousands without power in Michigan

A severe storm in Michigan and northern Ohio left nearly 700,000 people without power Thursday night. 

Winds of more than 75 mph downed trees, damaged homes and vehicles in hailstorms and killed at least four people in Michigan. Two possible tornadoes also touched down in the state, according to the National Weather Service.

More than 25 vehicles on Interstate 96 near Lansing were damaged by debris and a possible tornado, including many overturned by high winds, local police said. At least one person died. 

And a woman and two young children died in a car wreck near Grand Rapids when a vehicle hydroplaned, according to local police.

The most severe winds and possible tornadoes hit rural areas, limiting damage, state authorities said. About 400,000 people in Michigan and almost 300,000 in northern Ohio were left without power, according to tracker PowerOutage.us.

The severe overnight storms followed a day of more than 5 inches of rain, causing flooding across the state. Flooding closed roads in Detroit, including the entrance to the city’s airport, briefly closing it. 

Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer mobilized state emergency response resources Thursday to support communities “as they respond to the impacts of flooding,” her office said in a statement.