48 mph Winds Wreak Havoc in Michigan

While other parts of the world are getting hurricanes and typhoons, Michigan is getting tropical storm strength winds as 48 mph winds, deluging rain and 21-foot waves have hit the state. With temperatures in the 30s and 40s, the wind speed is the only thing that feels "tropical."

* 40 mph: The wind speed recorded in Pontiac, Mich., on Friday.

* 48 mph: The wind speed recorded in Port Hope, Mich.

* 51 mph: The wind speed in Holland, Mich.

* 55,000: Consumer's Energy customers who lost power. Most have had their power turned back on but some pockets continue in darkness.

* 11,000: Detroit Thomas Edison customers who lost power. Most of these have also had their power turned back on.

* 23 feet: The recorded high wave height on Lake Michigan. It was set in Muskegon, Mich.

* 7 feet: Wave height on Lake St. Clair, in southeast Michigan.

* 18 feet: Wave height on Lake Huron.

* 6.2 inches: Rainfall at Detroit Metro Airport. This amount is twice the normal amount of rain for September and made it the third rainiest September since 1902.

* 2: Men killed when their SUV hit a puddle and hydroplaned into a home in Grand Rapids on Thursday. The home suffered extreme damage.

* 2: ferries closed due to winds and high waves on Lake Michigan. The Lake Express Ferry from Muskegon to Milwaukee canceled service as did Ludington's S.S. Badger car ferry.

Other damage occurred in Berrien Springs, Mich., where a golfer was killed while playing during the storm. Friends visiting ArtPrize in Grand Rapids had their visit abbreviated due to high winds and rain. Some construction was halted due to heavy winds.

Gale-force wind speeds are still in effect for areas near Lake Huron. Waves are at 14 feet. Small craft advisories are in effect for most lakeshore regions on all of the five great lakes in Michigan. Frost advisories are in effect for most of Michigan.

Marilisa Kinney Sachteleben writes about wild weather from 25 years teaching science and social studies.