Severe Thunderstorms Batter Central Michigan, Cause Widespread Power Outages
Powerful storms with 60 mph winds left tens of thousands without power across central Michigan on June 10.
LANSING, MICHIGAN — A line of severe thunderstorms moved across central and south-central Michigan on June 10, producing damaging winds up to 60 mph and leaving tens of thousands without power.
The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids issued several severe thunderstorm warnings throughout the evening, with the storms moving northeast at speeds up to 60 mph. The most significant warning covered Jackson, Ingham, Gratiot, Isabella, and Clinton counties until 8:45 PM EDT.
At 7:38 PM EDT, severe thunderstorms extended from near Stanton to six miles southeast of Bellevue, according to the National Weather Service. The storms had a history of producing 50 to 60 mph wind gusts that caused widespread power outages across West Michigan.
Major Population Centers Affected
The severe weather impacted numerous communities across central Michigan, including Lansing, Jackson, Mount Pleasant, Alma, Mason, St. Johns, Clare, Ithaca, East Lansing, Grand Ledge, and St. Louis.
Earlier warnings targeted other regions of the state, with storms affecting Big Rapids, Greenville, Evart, Stanton, Reed City, Howard City, Edmore, Carson City, Lakeview, Marion, Morley, and Mecosta. Other communities experiencing severe weather included Canadian Lakes, Crystal, Sidney, Remus, Highland, Millbrook, Sheridan, and Paris.
Storm Hazards and Damage Potential
The National Weather Service warned of 60 mph wind gusts and penny-sized to quarter-sized hail throughout the evening. Officials cautioned residents to expect damage to roofs, siding, and trees, with hail damage to vehicles anticipated in areas experiencing larger hail.
Law enforcement reported numerous trees and power lines down across Allegan County by 6:43 PM EDT, confirming the destructive nature of the storm system. The storms maintained their intensity as they moved through multiple counties, with radar indicating continued severe weather conditions.
In southwestern Michigan, communities including Holland, Grand Haven, Allegan, Paw Paw, Hudsonville, Zeeland, Coopersville, Wayland, Otsego, Plainwell, Ferrysburg, Hartford, Spring Lake, Mattawan, Lawton, Bangor, Decatur, Fennville, Saugatuck, and Martin also experienced severe weather conditions.
Timeline of Warnings
The National Weather Service began issuing severe thunderstorm warnings at 6:44 PM EDT, with the final warning extending until 8:45 PM EDT. Multiple counties received overlapping warnings as the storm system progressed across the state.
Northern counties including Osceola, Mecosta, and Montcalm experienced severe weather earlier in the evening, with warnings issued at 7:07 PM EDT. The storms maintained their destructive potential throughout their path across Michigan.
