WASHTENAW COUNTY (WWJ) - Storm damage from Wednesday's severe weather is widespread in Southeast Michigan, officials say, but some of the worst destruction occurred in Washtenaw County where almost 200 emergency calls were made.
The Ann Arbor Fire Department said it responded to over 70 incidents in a 6-hour period on July 26 as the storms ripped through the region. Between Tree Town and the Ypsilanti area, over 150 calls for help were received.
From the time the storm struck just before 3 p.m. and in the aftermath until 9 p.m., fire fighters said they got four calls about trees crashing structures with significant damage, dozens of power lines down, several reported structure fires another none were actually ignited, a reported water rescue, numerous fire alarms, and other calls for service.
Official said the call for water rescue included a group of seven children who were kayaking or rafting on the Huron River when the storm hit.
"The kids safely made it to shore on their own and were assisted by City of Ann Arbor Parks staff in reuniting with the parent," Fire Chief Mike Kennedy said in an email to Mlive.
Kennedy said the calls poured in at almost the exact moment damaging winds and heavy downpours were unleashed on the city.
As the severe weather rolled across the county, DTE reported 30,000 customers lost power while weather experts believe straight-line wind gusts of 75 mph or more downed trees and power lines.
An alert was posted by city officials on Wednesday afternoon urged residents to stay away from the Huron River after a power line was knocked down into the water near Gallup Park.
Ann Arbor Parks and Recreation said on Thursday morning that the Argo to Gallup and Barton to Gallup river trips are suspended until further notice.
"Social media & the website will be updated when river trips are safe to resume," official said.
Authorities said the calls for service mainly consisted of non-working traffic lights, downed trees and power lines. They eventually dwindled down during the overnight hours as residents shifted focus to clean-up and recovery efforts.
