Severe Storms, Flooding in Michigan; Tornadoes in Indiana

June 28, 2021

Residents in the Detroit area were cleaning up June 27 after flooding in the area overloaded sewer systems, damaged homes and knocked out power for thousands.

Bags of trash lined neighborhood streets in suburban Grosse Pointe Farms as garbage trucks made special rounds to help pick up debris, including damaged furniture and bedding.

A day earlier Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s office declared a state of emergency for Detroit and surrounding Wayne County daylong rain flooded freeways and streets. Health officials warned of hazardous conditions the amid cleanup efforts and cautioned residents to stay out flood waters.

“Floodwater and standing waters can be dangerous and can make you vulnerable to infectious diseases, chemical hazards and other injuries,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, state’s chief medical executive and chief health deputy.

The Port Austin area on Michigan’s Thumb was also reeling from storm damage, including a suspected tornado in the evening on June 26. There were reports of a badly damaged home, scattered trees and downed power lines, but no major injuries.

DTE Energy said roughly 22,000 customers remained without power June 27. Indiana Michigan Power said crews also were restoring power for thousands in Michigan and northern Indiana.

More than 6 inches of rain fell on June 25 in parts of the Detroit area, overloading sewer systems. Some streets were completely flooded, while low-lying sections of freeways saw water deep enough to cover car tires and hoods.

Indiana Tornadoes

The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes touched down in north central Indiana on June 25.

The first tornado was reported around 8:18 p.m. night in far eastern Tippecanoe County at winds of 95 mph.

At around 8:30 p.m., reports were made of a second tornado in Carroll County.

Reports of damage in Carroll County included mainly tree damage and some minor shingle or siding damage to homes, but there were no reports of any injuries, according to WTHR-TV.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Windstorm Flood Michigan Indiana

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