Jessica Mathews / news@whmi.com


Severe storms and high winds brought down trees and power lines across the WHMI listening area.

Local first responders are extremely busy dealing with crashes; power lines on vehicles, homes, and buildings; as well as downed trees. Some roads are blocked and there are also reports of traffic lights that are out and should be treated as four-way stops. People and pets are reminded to stay at least 25 feet away from any downed power lines and report them to 9-1-1 or the proper utility. There are also scattered power outages locally and across the larger region. Links to outage maps are provided.

Hartland Deerfield Fire Authority Chief Adam Carroll told WHMI there was quite a bit of damage in the area. He said the storm didn’t bring as much rain but there was some pretty wild wind and lighting. Carroll said there were a few vehicle accidents but a lot of trees and wires down. He noted the storms came through earlier than expected around 5:15pm when a lot of people were coming home – adding they were happy to see people were patient during some adverse conditions that everyone was dealing with at the same time.

When it comes to safety precautions, Carroll reminds that if someone sees a tree or a branch down, it doesn’t mean that there is not a wire tangled in it or otherwise involving some type of utility. He said their recommendation is to stay away and just leave them alone – even if ends up being some snagging of a tree with no wires. Carroll stressed that removing snags is not something people should try to take on because they are very unpredictable and it’s best left to professionals.

Meanwhile to the west, Consumers Energy crews are responding after a powerful thunderstorm caused over 100,000 homes and businesses to lose power across Northern Michigan and the Grand Rapids area. The utility says crews will be working through the night to restore power.

Top Photo: Clyde Road & Old US-23 in Hartland - Josh Hurst
Middle: E. Lake Street & Reese in South Lyon - Stacy Kissel
Bottom: Cullen Road in Hartland - Leah De Carteret