Public Media from Michigan State University

Strong thunderstorms batter southeast Michigan

By AP

HADLEY, MI – Severe thunderstorms have moved out of southeast Michigan, but high winds that toppled trees and power lines left some 100,000 electrical customers without service.

The National Weather Service canceled severe thunderstorm warnings for a half-dozen counties in the region after several hours Thursday afternoon. Tornado warnings were briefly in effect for Lapeer and Monroe counties, although forecasters did not confirm any tornadoes had touched down.

Flash flood warnings were issued for rivers and streams in much of Macomb and Oakland counties and southern Lapeer County.

DTE Energy Co. spokeswoman Lorie Kessler says about 100,000 customers lost power because of the storms, including 66,000 in Macomb County and 20,000 in Wayne County. She says service likely will be fully restored sometime Friday.

Consumers Energy spokesman Tim Pietryga says fewer than 400 customers have lost power because of the storms as of 5:30 p.m.

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