Severe storms over the weekend caused devastating effects across Michigan and Indiana, resulting in the tragic deaths of three children in Michigan and an 84-year-old Amish man in Indiana.
These fatalities were part of a broader system of intense weather that included freezing rain, strong winds, and dangerous thunderstorms, leaving behind widespread damage and power outages.
Tragic Deaths in Kalamazoo, Michigan
In Kalamazoo County, Michigan, a tree fell on a van, killing three young children. The incident occurred during a severe thunderstorm warning on Sunday, March 30, as a powerful storm system moved through southern Michigan.
The victims—a 2-year-old girl, her 4-year-old brother, and their 11-year-old cousin—were in the passenger area of the van when the tree struck.
The tree, which was so large that it crossed two lanes of traffic, caused significant damage. According to Sheriff Richard Fuller, it extended about 12 feet beyond the vehicle, crushing the children.
Despite the severe weather, the sheriff said the family had no chance of avoiding the tragedy.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Kalamazoo County, Michigan, 130 miles west of Detroit |
| Victims | 2-year-old girl, 4-year-old boy, and 11-year-old cousin |
| Cause of Death | Gunshot wounds after a tree fell on the van |
| Storm Conditions | Severe thunderstorms with heavy winds and freezing rain |
| Weather Warning | Area under severe thunderstorm warning at the time of the incident |
Fatalities in Indiana: Amish Buggy Incident
Simultaneously, in Middlebury, Indiana, an Amish man, Lonnie Yoder, 84, died after the buggy he was riding in was flipped over due to intense winds.
The incident occurred as part of the same storm system that impacted Michigan. The crosswinds were so severe that they caused the buggy to overturn, tragically killing Yoder.
This was just one of the many incidents across the region that were linked to the storm, which also impacted Indiana’s rural areas with high winds and freezing rain.
Widespread Damage and Power Outages
The storm system wreaked havoc on both Michigan and Indiana, leaving thousands of trees down and power lines damaged.
By Monday afternoon, 276,000 people in Michigan were still without power, while Indiana and Wisconsin had managed to reduce their outages to around 80,000. Utility companies were working around the clock to restore power, but challenges persisted due to freezing rain and wind damage.
Additional Weather Events Across the U.S.
The storms were not confined to Michigan and Indiana. Several other states faced significant weather challenges:
- Ohio experienced strong winds, causing damage to homes and flipping campers.
- Kentucky saw tornadoes tearing off roofs and causing damage in Spencer County.
- Tennessee also reported tornado damage, including a house with its roof ripped off in Humphreys County.
- Alabama reported roof collapses at schools, injuring five students in Dothan.
| State | Weather Effects |
|---|---|
| Michigan | Freezing rain and tree damage, 276,000 without power |
| Indiana | Severe winds, Amish buggy incident, 80,000 without power |
| Ohio | High winds, damaged homes, and flipped campers |
| Kentucky | Tornadoes causing significant damage in Spencer County |
| Tennessee | Tornadoes and roof damage in Humphreys County |
Severe Weather Warning for the Southeast
As the storm system moves across the Southeastern U.S., the National Weather Service issued flood watches for 11 states, including Texas, Arkansas, and West Virginia.
The region is expected to receive up to 1 foot of rain, with life-threatening flooding likely in some areas. The weather service warned residents to be prepared for severe conditions, including the potential for more tornadoes and damaging winds.
The wild weather that swept across Michigan and Indiana this past weekend has left a trail of devastation, including the tragic deaths of three children and an Amish man.
As authorities continue to assess the damage and restore power, the broader storm system is expected to affect more regions, bringing with it the threat of further flooding, tornadoes, and damaging winds.
The public is urged to remain vigilant as dangerous weather conditions persist in parts of the Southeastern U.S..