12/13/21 - High Winds and Storms Bring Deadly Tornadoes and Power Outages

Clean up continues after a large storm system brings high winds, damage, and power outages.

The death toll from widespread tornadoes across Kentucky, Illinois, Tennessee, Missouri, and Arkansas is expected to rise.  More than 30 tornadoes were reported Friday night into Saturday. 

Kentucky was the worst-hit state as unusual mid-December twisters made their way across the Midwest and the South that leveled entire communities and left many dead.  About 300 National Guard members went house to house, checking on people and helping to remove debris.  Mayfield, KY lost most of their town.  All the historical buildings were destroyed.  A candle company was destroyed and crews are still searching for those missing. At least 8 people lost their lives. 

An Amazon facility in Illinois was destroyed and search efforts continue.

At least 80 lives have been lost as a result of the series of tornadoes. 

In Michigan, high winds during the day on Saturday resulted in a number of power outages.  Crews spent the weekend trying to restore service and some won't get it back until later.  At one point well over 200,000 were without power. 

The National Weather Service reported that the state saw gusts that exceeded 70 mph : Holland seeing 60 mph winds, Battle Creek seeing 66 mph winds, Grand Haven and Muskegon seeing 68 mph winds and Saugatuck seeing 72 mph winds. 

A house fire in Holland was likely caused by a tree that fell on electrical wiring.