Over 200,000 Without Power in Michigan After Severe Storms; Schools Closed Across Multiple Counties

One of many trees to cause severe damage to a home in Oshtemo Township on Thursday night, May 15, 2025. Firefighters said there were trees through homes like this one on Wildemere Street throughout Kalamazoo County.Photo provided by Ryan Boldrey | MLive

By John Agar | Grand Rapids, MI

More than 200,000 utility customers across Michigan are without power as of Friday, May 16, following a night of powerful storms that brought winds exceeding 70 mph and reports of possible tornadoes.

Consumers Energy reported approximately 187,000 outages, while DTE Energy accounted for about 9,400, primarily on the eastern side of the state. Midwest Energy & Communications reported another 6,900 outages, mostly in Southwest Michigan.

Kalamazoo County experienced the most significant impact, with more than 50,000 customers without power. Other heavily affected counties include:

• Calhoun – 21,355 outages

• Muskegon – 20,041

• Ottawa – 12,997

• Allegan – 11,968

• Ingham – 9,535

• Barry – 8,666

• Eaton – 8,143

• Kent – 6,748

• Van Buren – 5,282

• Saginaw – 5,227

• Genesee – 4,799

• St. Joseph – 3,127

Due to the widespread outages, thousands of students are staying home Friday as many school districts have closed. Counties with confirmed closures include Kent, Kalamazoo, Ottawa, Muskegon, Van Buren, Allegan, Calhoun, Montcalm, and Ionia.

Closed school districts include Hudsonville, West Ottawa, Kalamazoo, Caledonia, Mona Shores, Godfrey-Lee, Bloomingdale, Gull Lake, Hartford, Holton, Martin, Oakridge, Parchment, Paw Paw, Saranac, Saugatuck, and Vestaburg. A complete list is available from WZZM-13.

“Havoc effectively wrecked across West Michigan with reports of scattered damage and power outages,” the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids stated late Thursday night via Facebook.
Consumers Energy reported that 500 crews are actively working to restore power after strong winds brought down trees and power lines.

“We know many communities are waking up to the aftermath of this powerful storm system,” said Chris Wisniewski, one of Consumers Energy’s storm response officers. “Our focus is on mobilizing every available resource to safely and quickly restore power to those affected.”

Ottawa County Emergency Management Director Lou Hunt said warning sirens were activated Thursday night due to two radar-detected tornadoes. The county reported downed trees and power lines, blocked roads, and small fires.

In addition to the tornado reports, the storms brought hail and widespread wind damage. Gusts up to 28 mph are forecast for Friday.

Another round of thunderstorms is expected between 8 p.m. and 11 p.m., though the National Weather Service noted these storms will likely be less intense and less widespread than Thursday night’s.