4Warn Weather – A round of powerful storms left behind widespread damage across Southeast Michigan Friday evening, knocking down trees and power lines and leaving hundreds of thousands of customers without power heading into the Fourth of July holiday.
The same heat and humidity that pushed heat index values above 100 degrees Friday afternoon helped fuel the storms that raced across the region during the evening.
Before reaching Metro Detroit, storms produced damaging winds across western and central Michigan, including a wind gust near 80 mph reported near Kalamazoo. The line maintained its strength as it moved east, prompting several Severe Thunderstorm Warnings across Metro Detroit.
The storms hit as many people were already starting Fourth of July weekend celebrations and attending outdoor events.
In downtown Royal Oak, the severe weather impacted Royal Oak Taco Fest, where strong winds sent tents airborne as storms moved through the area. It also forced the event to shut down for the rest of the night. The incident was another reminder of how quickly conditions can become dangerous during severe thunderstorms, especially at outdoor festivals and gatherings.
Damage reports across Southeast Michigan
The strongest storms produced widespread wind damage, including:
- Detroit Metro Airport: 63 mph wind gust
- Detroit River Light: 63 mph marine thunderstorm wind gust
- Oakland County International Airport: 62 mph wind gust
- Willow Run Airport: 59 mph wind gust
- Grosse Pointe Yacht Club: 58 mph wind gust
- Selfridge Air National Guard Base: 53 mph wind gust
Damage reports included trees falling onto homes, trees blocking roads and numerous power lines coming down.
Reports included:
- A tree falling onto a home in Chelsea
- Multiple trees down near Dexter
- Large trees down around Ann Arbor
- Multiple trees and power lines down across Plymouth Township
- Large tree limbs down in Hazel Park
- Numerous trees down in Wyandotte
- Damage reports in Monroe County, including the Dundee area
Heavy rain also caused flooding issues.
All lanes of the Southfield Freeway were impacted by flooding between Ford Road and Warren Avenue, including the northbound and southbound sides, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation.
Hundreds of thousands without power heading into Fourth of July
About 325,000 customers were without power across Southeast Michigan following Friday evening’s storms.
The utility company said crews were working to restore power, with 500 team members responding and hundreds of out-of-state crews coming in to assist.
DTE said it expects 95 percent of affected customers to have power restored by the end of Monday.
Anyone who sees a downed power line should stay at least 25 feet away from the wire and anything it touches.
Heat continues for those without power
While the worst of the heat wave is ending, it will still be a very warm Fourth of July weekend, especially for those without electricity and air conditioning.
Saturday highs will climb to around 90 degrees, with humidity making it feel warmer.
Heat index values Saturday afternoon will likely reach the mid-90s.
Anyone without power should:
- Drink plenty of water
- Avoid overheating indoors
- Spend time in cooler locations if needed
- Check on older adults and neighbors
- Keep refrigerators and freezers closed as much as possible
Fourth of July forecast: More storms possible
The holiday weekend will not be a washout, but more showers and thunderstorms are possible.
Saturday (Fourth of July):
- High: Around 90 degrees
- Heat index: Mid-90s
- Scattered showers possible earlier
- Better chance for thunderstorms later in the day and evening
The highest chance for storms will be during the late afternoon, evening and overnight hours.
A few stronger storms cannot be ruled out.
Saturday night
Showers and thunderstorms will become more likely by Saturday night. Heavy rain will be possible.
Sunday
More rain showers are likely Sunday morning, and a few showers and thunderstorms are possible in the afternoon, with highs in the mid 80s.
Southeast Michigan gets a break from the extreme heat, but recovery from Friday’s storms will continue beyond the holiday weekend. Thousands of families will spend part or all of the Fourth of July without power as warm, humid weather continues and more thunderstorms remain possible.
Friday’s storms served as a reminder for anyone heading to outdoor events this holiday weekend: have multiple ways to receive weather alerts and know where you would go if storms approach.
If you were able to safely capture photos, share them with Local 4 at MIPics.