Watch CBS News

Storms Packing Damaging Winds Spawn Tornado, Damage, Outages To Thousands Of Homes

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - Officials say storms carrying damaging winds and heavy rain spawned at least one tornado in Michigan and knocked out power to more than 190,000 homes and businesses.

The severe rains proved to be too much for drainage systems along several area freeways including westbound M-14 past I-275. Standing water filling the center and the right lanes -- limiting traffic to only the left lane -- backing up traffic for miles during the morning rush hour.

The flooding also making morning travel a hardship on eastbound ramp to I-94 and the I-75 Dix/Toledo area.

Storms Packing Damaging Winds Spawn Tornado In Michigan

Meteorologist Steven Freitag at the National Weather Service office in Oakland County's White Lake Township says it had been fairly dry for the month leading up the storms, leaving the ground able to absorb much of the rainfall Sunday and early Monday.

Freitag says more than 2 inches fell in places.

Sleeping Bear Dunes, Glen Arbor Hit Hard By Michigan Storms

Unplugging Drain (BillSzumanski)Northbound Interstate 75 ramp at eastbound I-94 in Detroit was closed early Monday due to flooding, as was southbound I-75 ramp to eastbound I-94. About a foot of water accumulated on the northbound ramp.

Spinout crashes were reported on rain-covered roads. Some traffic lights were out due to power outages from the storm.

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

Customers can report an outage, check on the status of an outage, and view DTE's outage map, all from your smart phone. Customers also may call DTE Energy at (800) 477-4747 to report power outages or downed lines. DTE encourages customers to use their mobile website at dteenergy.com to report a power problem using the DTE Energy Outage Center app.

STORM TIPS

· 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 2015 CBS Radio Inc. and its relevant subsidiaries. CBS RADIO and EYE Logo TM and Copyright 2015 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.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.