A thunderstorm-hurricane hybrid struck the southeastern part of the American state of Michigan this morning, bringing with it heavy rainfall, at least three tornado warnings, lightning alerts, and prolonged power outages.
With more than 340,000 people losing electricity in southern Michigan, the number is anticipated to rise as the storms progress.
The tempest also caused cars to overturn on Highway 96 in Williamston. Renee Gonzalez, an official from the Michigan State Police, reported that the chaos along Highway 96 near Webberville, Michigan led to people being trapped inside their vehicles.
Clocking wind speeds of over 85 miles per hour, the storm upended cars, felled trees, submerged towns, and razed buildings and homes.
Reports from Kent County indicated injuries, as a woman and two children tragically lost their lives in a seaplane crash, as reported by Fox17.
State police issued a warning via the “X” app that the hurricane is reported to be heading east towards Webberville with a debris ball. The public was urged to exercise caution and seek shelter indoors.
The meteorological authority stated that the watch for severe thunderstorms remains in effect for southern Michigan until 1 AM Eastern Time. Storms are expected to head south towards northern Ohio in the coming hours.