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Strong Wind Gusts, Heavy Downpours Cause Fire, Damage To Homes

DETROIT (CBS DETROIT) - Heavy rain and strong wind gusts continuing Thursday evening throughout  southeastern Michigan.

A huge tree outside a Southfield home snapped like a toothpick and crashed through a roof when it was struck by lightning Thursday morning.

"It was so loud, the house just shook," said Theresa Bullock, who owns the home on Woodcrest Court. "All the windows are blown out."

The worst weather is expected between 5 p.m. Thursday and 1 a.m. Friday, with heavy rain and wind gusts of up to 60 miles per hour.

Michigan authorities blame lightning strikes for a mobile home fire, a fire place explosion and a tree striking a house.

In western Michigan's Muskegon County, Muskegon Township fire Chief David Glotzbach tells The Muskegon Chronicle that lightning struck a mobile home at Arlington Estates Mobile Village around 4:30 a.m. Thursday.

No one was injured and a man living in the home got out on his own.

In Livingston County's Howell Township in southeastern Michigan, WXYZ-TV says lightning struck a chimney Thursday, causing the house's brick chimney to explode.

The National Weather Service says severe thunderstorms are possible into early Friday, packing damaging wind gusts, heavy downpours and hail.

Here's the local forecast from the CBS Detroit Weather Team:

Thursday Evening: Heavy rain and winds throughout the evening.

Friday: Wind Advisory in effect from 6 a.m until 6 p.m. for
Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw, and Wayne counties. We'll also have sun poking through the clouds throughout the day. Hi/59 Lo/50

Saturday: We'll have sun with a Hi/54 and Lo/37

Sunday: Sunny with a Hi/60 and Lo/38

Know before you go: Keep it tuned to WWJ Newsradio 950 for traffic and weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s.

Check the CBS Detroit weather page for the extended forecast and up-to-the-minute information.

Sign up for severe weather text alerts: Text STORM to 95001
For daily weather forecast text alerts: Text FORECAST to 95001

Additional information on the storm – including DTE's online Power Outage Map – is available [HERE]. www.dteenergy.com/outage.

Storm tips should you lose power:

· Don't open refrigerators or freezers more often than absolutely necessary. A closed refrigerator will stay cold for 12 hours. Kept closed, a well-filled freezer will preserve food for two days.

· Turn off or unplug all appliances to prevent an electrical overload when power is restored. Leave on one light switch to indicate when power is restored.

· Always operate generators outdoors to avoid dangerous buildup of toxic fumes.

· If a customer is elderly or has a medical condition that would be adversely impacted by a power outage, they should try to make alternative accommodations with family or friends.

· During low-voltage conditions – when lights are dim and television pictures are smaller – shut off motor-driven appliances such as refrigerators to prevent overheating and possible damage. Sensitive electronic devices also should be unplugged.

· Stay out of flooded or damp basements or other areas if water is in contact with outlets or any electrically-operated appliance. The water or moisture may serve as a conductor of electricity. This can cause serious or even fatal injury.

 

(TM and © Copyright 2012 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2012 CBS Broadcasting Inc. Used under license. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)

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