Severe Storms Batter West Michigan, Causing Widespread Power Outages and Flooding
Severe storms in West Michigan on Sunday night caused power outages for over 28,000 Consumers Energy customers, significant flooding, and downed trees and power lines. Crews are working to restore power and assess damage.
West Michigan, Bollywood Fever: Several rounds of severe storms swept through West Michigan on Sunday night, bringing intense wind and torrential rain, resulting in power outages for just over 28,000 Consumers Energy customers as of 2:00 a.m. Monday.
Consumers Energy crews are expected to work throughout the day to restore power, with an initial focus on assessing damage and restoring service to critical customers first, according to Brian Wheeler, media relations specialist with Consumers Energy. While additional storms were expected overnight, the threat of severe weather is now considered very low. However, some storms may still produce lightning, gusty winds, and locally heavy rainfall.
The severe storms downed trees, tree limbs, and power lines, particularly affecting the hardest-hit areas of Van Buren, Allegan, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Calhoun counties. Several rounds of torrential rain also led to flooding in parts of Kalamazoo and Portage. Numerous roads became impassable due to floodwaters, prompting a Flood Warning that remained in effect through 9:15 a.m. for portions of Kalamazoo County.
The National Weather Service issued a tornado warning just before 10 p.m. after law enforcement reported a tornado 7 miles southwest of Otsego in northeast Van Buren County. The warning was canceled after about 20 minutes. NWS crews are expected to survey any damage on Monday to confirm whether a tornado did indeed touch down.
A notable wind gust of 76 mph was recorded at the Kalamazoo/Battle Creek International Airport at 10:22 p.m.
Residents are advised to stay cautious and report any downed power lines or hazards to local authorities. Crews will continue their efforts to restore power and clear debris throughout the day.
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