Severe thunderstorms and accompanying winds ravaged the area overnight and as of 4am, more than 32,000 customers in Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana were without power.

Tornado watches and warnings were issued overnight, but so far there have been no reports of any tornadoes in Southwest Michigan. Closer to Lansing in Eaton County, the National Weather Service received reports of a possible tornado near a Meijer Distribution Center in Waverly. 

In Southwest Michigan, there are numerous reports of trees and debris scattered across area roadways. Indiana Michigan Power reported 16,363 customers without power in Berrien County. I&M reported 9,442 customers without power in Van Buren County and 2,382 without power in Cass County. 

The Weather Service says last night’s storms were round one of potentially severe weather expected for the region. Round two is expected Friday evening.

Officials say severe thunderstorms are possible from 6-11pm EDT Friday evening. They say the greatest risk will be in Indiana. The NWS says damaging straight-line winds will be the primary threat but hail and tornadoes cannot be ruled out.