Devastation unfolded in Michigan as a series of tornadoes wreaked havoc, resulting in the loss of five lives. The capital city of Lansing bore the brunt of a powerful tornado with winds reaching speeds of up to 125 mph. Tragically, an 84-year-old woman lost her life in the midst of this destructive force, while three others sustained injuries during the Thursday night onslaught.
Further to the west of the state, a heart-wrenching incident occurred as two vehicles, caught in wet pavement conditions, collided head-on. This collision claimed the lives of a 21-year-old woman and two young girls aged one and three, as reported by local media on Saturday.
In Ingham County, situated southeast of Lansing, another grim chapter unfolded. A pileup involving over 25 vehicles on an interstate highway led to one confirmed fatality and left several individuals with severe injuries, according to reports from the Xinhua news agency.
The aftermath of these storms was no less impactful. More than 390,000 customers in Michigan found themselves without power by 7:15 p.m. (2315 GMT) on Friday, as documented by the PowerOutage.us website. Responding to the crisis, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer promptly declared a state of emergency for Wayne and Monroe counties on Friday, signifying the gravity of the situation and the immediate need for coordinated relief efforts.