Straight-line winds to blame for damage in Downriver communities

GIBRALTAR, Mich. (WXYZ) - An intense line of storms caused widespread damage south of Detroit. Communities hit include Gibraltar, Woodhaven, Rockwood and Riverview.

The National Weather Service confirms that straight-line winds up to 70 mph are to blame for causing all of the damage.

Huge trees were toppled and property was damaged in several communities.

Crews used heavy equipment to try to pull up a power pole that was blown over and people are talking about how they raced to their basements.

Larry Wall who lives on Adams Street says you could hear the sound of the winds and it seemed like five minutes of chaos. When he came upstairs there was a tree on a car near his home.

Over on Fryer Street, the Buhr's house was being boarded up after a tree fell on it and the garage blew off it's foundation and the roof landed in the backyard.

Finally Stephanie Meyers says she is thankful tonight because she says the wind actually picked her up, slamming her into her car. She says this is a storm she will never forget. Some power has been restored but many are still in the dark.

If you have damage in your area send pictures or video to Action News by e-mailing wxyzdesk@wxyz.com or through our iPhone app.