Federal Help Sought After Michigan’s Storm Chaos

Michigan’s governor has asked the federal government for disaster aid covering 43 counties that suffered heavy rain, rapid snowmelt and nine tornadoes from April 10 to 21. If the request is granted, money would go straight to people, businesses and local groups hit by the storms. The weather hit hard from April 13 to 18, when thunderstorms turned into severe tornadoes and hail. Rivers swelled past major flood stages at seven sites, with four setting new record highs. The National Weather Service issued a record number of flash‑flood warnings for the state that month. Many residents lost their homes or were trapped by rising water, prompting more than ten shelters to open across the affected region. Roads flooded and some even washed out completely, while several dams were closely watched for possible failure or overtopping.A line of strong storms swept central and southern lower Michigan from the evening of April 14 to early on April 15, creating nine tornadoes and straight‑line wind damage. Homes, businesses and infrastructure were hit hard in many towns. A damage survey counted 15 homes destroyed, 657 with major damage, 395 with minor damage and 452 affected in 37 counties. Roughly 946 families could qualify for temporary housing, 724 for repair help and 1 240 for essential household items. Estimated housing aid totals about $15. 5 million based on verified damage reports. The worst hits were near Cadillac in Wexford County, Grayling in Crawford County, Kalkaska in Kalkaska County and Traverse City in Grand Traverse County. Other damage clusters appeared along Lake Huron, Lake Michigan and throughout central and southern parts of the state.