In Lake Township just south of Toledo, numerous homes were completely leveled. The local high school was literally torn to shreds just hours before the school’s graduation ceremony was to begin there. School buses were tossed onto their sides, leaving one bus sitting fifty yards from where it was parked, with its emergency lights still flashing a full twelve hours after the storm had passed. There were reports of many people being rushed to local hospitals for treatment in the area as well as numerous reports of minor injuries.

In Berrien County, Michigan, cleanup efforts are still underway after a pair of tornadoes hit the area late Saturday night. The National Weather Service said that EF1 and EF2 tornadoes caused the heavy damage. Officials in the county are being warned today June 8th that more severe storms may soon be on the way. A warm front that is carrying a lot of heavy moisture is expected to move into this area as soon as later today, so the potential is very real for more severe weather. In total, there were eight tornadoes sighted throughout the region as part of a line of storms that moved across the Midwest.

Residents of Berrien County are being reminded that it is not only tornadoes that they need to be concerned with. Heavy thunderstorms can kick up winds in excess of 80 mph, which can rip roofs off buildings and topple trees. Last weekend’s storms were caused both by tornadoes and these heavy winds that were produced as the ‘right ingredients’ were in place to cause the damaging weather. Residents are being told to view severe thunderstorm warnings as seriously as they do tornadoes which may include needing to take cover in basements.

Thousands of people in Berrien County were left without power following the storms but most had their power restored by Sunday, although there are still some remote areas without electricity. Several roadways were forced closed due to downed trees and work crews are working quickly to clear them before the next line of storm moves through later today or early tomorrow.

This spring has been a wet one in the state. The National Weather Service has recently issued flood watches and advisories for dozens of counties in Michigan – most in the lower peninsula. If you live in a low lying area in Michigan or in a known flood zone, you should make every effort possible to ensure that your home or business is protected from flood damage. Flash floods can develop very rapidly and sometimes in just a matter of a few minutes and without any warning. Water in a flash flood move rapidly, picking up debris along the way which makes them very hazardous.

You should always be prepared to evacuate your home in the case of an imminent flood. If forced to leave your home, be sure not to walk in flood water. Just six inches of moving water can knock you off your feet so if you have to walk, then do it where the water is not moving. You should also carry a large stick with you so you can feel the firmness of the ground in front of you. If floodwater rises around your car, leave the car and move to high ground. Otherwise you and your vehicle could very well be swept away rather violently.

It is also a good idea to take out some flood insurance because typical homeowner’s policies do not cover flood damage. Keep in mind the fact that there is most usually a thirty day waiting period before flood insurance takes effect, so it is best not to put off buying it. It is simply not worth the risk not to have flood protection these days as we are undergoing changes in our climate – making weather patterns hard to predict.

Michigan is a beautiful state with a whole lot to offer residents. However, it is one that receives much inclement weather all year around. Heavy snowfalls in the winter lead to massive snow melts in the springtime, which do pose a significant threat for flooding in much of the state. Therefore, as a home or business owner, you must do what is necessary to protect both you and your property from the possibility of flooding.

To help stop pipes from clogging its easy enough just to watch what you put down your drains. Pour grease into cans and make sure only flushable things go down the toilet. One warning sign of an oncoming clog is if sinks or bathtubs take a while to drain. Don’t use harsh chemical in that they may corrode pipes. There are many other natural ways to clear the blockage. Boiling water and pouring it down sink weekly or monthly can help stop blockage.  Putting strainers in bathtubs and sinks can help stop pipes from clogging and catch things like hair and soap.

Freezing temperatures aren’t the only source to home water damage. Heavy rains can also cause damage by leaking into your basement from cracks in your foundation. A failed sump pumped can also lead to a flooded basement if then is excessive ground water. Cracks in your roof can be a big problem during rainstorms. Rain could seep into attics resulting in mold forming. Having a home near a lake or river can put you at higher risks during storms. These bodies of water can overflow damaging the interior and exterior of your home.