Storm Chaser Shows Damage from Tornado that Roared Thru Michigan

A confirmed tornado struck Williamston and Webberville, Michigan, on Thursday night, according to the National Weather Service.

The NWS office out of Grand Rapids issued a Tornado Warning at 9:37pm EDT on August 24, 2023, stating that "confirmed tornado was located near Williamston, or 8 miles west of Fowlerville, moving east at 20 mph."

Williamston/Webberville Tornado Damage Reports

At least two tractor-trailers were reported to have overturned as a result of the storm on I-96, which crosses Michigan east-to-west and connects Williamston and Webberville. Both were leaking fuel, prompting emergency management officials to close the interstate both directions between the communities.

Raw video posted to YouTube by Storm Chaser Noah Miller appeared to show an overturned tractor-trailer near the interstate at Exit 122. Several cars were reportedly blown off the interstate as well.

Lansing's WILX News 10 reported that a roof had collapsed on a building in Williamston, but no reports of any injuries were immediately received.

Countless reports of downed trees funneled in from all over Ingham County and other parts of Mid-Michigan as the line of storms that spawned the tornado steamrolled through the southern part of the state.

Williamston/Webberville Tornado Reactions

People who were directly or indirectly affected by the tornado took to social media to describe their experiences and let friends and loved ones know they were okay.

Facebook user Brooke Y. posted:

This tornado hit my parents house. Our large oak tree out front fell on the house and another tree hit the side, trees out back smashed the boat, down power lines in the backyard. Damage to the house is unknown but from the inside seems okay so far. My parents are chain-sawing trees with the neighbors at the moment. Everyone is okay and were sheltered in the basement.

Facebook user Julie P. posted:

We drove through the sight (sic) of the earlier tornado between Williamston and Webberville. A swath of trees just snapped off and so many cars/semis flipped, rolled into the ditch, cars all over the place! Both sides of the freeway. The first vehicle we came upon was an F150 with the hood up, windshield smashed, and jammed with grass/branches in the side and tailgate. I can’t even imagine what a ride the occupants had before that thing landed back on the freeway to come to a rest. Absolutely awful to see.

Power Outages

Electricity providers including Consumers Energy, DTE, and Lansing Board of Water & Light reported total power outages in the thousands of customers late Thursday night.

This post will be updated as new details become available.