Tornado damages dozens of Michigan homes

Over 70 homes and business establishments damaged after a tornado swept through mid-Michigan. Lower Michigan also saw severe thunderstorm warnings, watches, flooding, high winds and hail as a late-winter storm system trekked across the Midwest.

Michigan: A tornado swept through mid-Michigan, damaging homes and knocking out power to thousands, according to US authorities.

The US National Weather Service confirmed that a tornado touched down on Thursday night around the Shiawassee County community of Vernon, about 21 miles (34 kilometers) southwest of Flint.

Officials say the same tornado touched down in nearby Durand about 7:05 p.m. local time.

State police say that roughly 70 homes and businesses were damaged, but no injuries were immediately reported.

Resident Tanner Frederic said the twister "sounded like a train was going right by you and it lasted five seconds and it was gone".

Lower Michigan also saw severe thunderstorm warnings, watches, flooding, high winds and hail as a late-winter storm system trekked across the Midwest.