Michigan
Michigan’s deadliest tornado killed 116 in Flint 73 years ago today
FLINT, Mich. – On June 8, 1953, disaster struck the north side of Flint and the northern suburb of Beecher when the Flint-Beecher tornado, Michigan’s worst natural disaster in terms of deaths and injuries, tore through the area.
The Flint-Beecher tornado remains the only tornado to strike Southeast Lower Michigan rated F5 on the Fujita scale.
According to the National Weather Service, an F5 tornado produces “incredible damage,” with winds estimated between 261 and 318 mph — powerful enough to level strong frame houses, hurl automobile-sized debris more than 100 meters and debark trees.
The scale of the storm was staggering. At 800 yards wide, the tornado didn’t just destroy homes — it erased entire blocks, entire neighborhoods, entire chapters of people’s lives in the span of minutes. Winds are believed to have exceeded 200 mph.
The tornado traveled 27 miles at approximately 35 mph, killing 116 people and injuring 844 others in its path.
For those in its way, there was little warning and almost nowhere to go.
It stands as the deadliest natural disaster in Michigan history and the 10th deadliest in United States history.
The aftermath
So many people were killed that the National Guard Armory and other buildings were temporarily converted into morgues. More than 100 people — families and friends of victims — waited outside in the rain for hours before they could enter to identify the bodies.
State Police Captain James Berardo warned the people outside that the tornado had horribly battered some victims and that the scene inside would be gruesome.
The Flint-Beecher tornado claimed lives ranging from as young as 5 months to as old as 80.
Of the 116 killed, 55 were under 20 years old — and five of those were less than a year old. Of the 844 injured, the last two survivors to be hospitalized were not discharged until five months after the tornado.
At least 20 families reported losing more than one member. The Gensel and Gatica families each lost five people.
Community response
In the wake of the disaster, state troopers, the National Guard and the Red Cross quickly mobilized to assist. Within 12 hours of the tornado, they provided first aid, food and clothing to survivors.
The National Weather Service noted in their Beecher 50th Anniversary Commemoration that the Flint-Beecher Tornado was one of eight tornadoes that occurred that evening across the eastern portion of the Lower Peninsula, resulting in an additional nine deaths and 52 injuries.
The tornado destroyed nearly 340 homes, with 107 sustaining major damage and 153 experiencing minor damage. An additional 50 businesses and other buildings were damaged, totaling an estimated $19 million — nearly a quarter of a billion dollars in today’s money.
Rebuilding the community
Beecher was able to rebuild thanks to the broader Flint community, which rallied around a “Red Feather” campaign to gather relief and rebuilding funds. Combined with Red Cross support, the effort helped the community get back on its feet.
In the late summer of 1953, a community-supported “Builder Bees” project brought volunteers together to help rebuild homes lost in the tornado.
Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
Utah wildfire burnover kills three firefighters near Colorado border
Three firefighters were killed and two were injured in a Utah wildfire burnover as the Snyder Fire grows past 28,000 acres.
One of three firefighters killing fighting a Colorado wildfire on Saturday, June 27, was a southeast Michigan woman, department of Interior officials announced on Monday, June 29.
Emily Barker, 38, of Clinton Township, was assigned to the U.S. Forest Service Rifle Helitack crew. She died from burns while engaging in the initial attack on the Knowles Fire in Mesa County in western Colorado near the Utah border.
The two other fallen firefighters were identified as Nick Hutcherson, 27, of Glendale, Arizona, assigned to the USFS Kaibab National Forest; and Sydney Watson, 27, Warrior, Alabama, assigned to the USFS Rifle Helitack crew.
“We mourn the loss of three firefighters who answered the call to protect others and made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their fellow citizens,” U.S. Wildland Fire Service Chief Brian Fennessy said in a June 29 announcement. “Our thoughts are with their families, loved ones, friends and crewmates as they face an unimaginable loss. These firefighters embodied the courage, professionalism and selflessness that define the wildland fire service. Please join me and my family in keeping our thoughts and prayers with the families of the fallen and our injured firefighters and their families.”
Barker was a graduate of Grosse Pointe Academy and alumna of Northern Michigan University with a degree in ski area business management, the school said in a 2020 Facebook post.
The firefighters from the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and U.S. Forest Service were battling the Knowles and Gore fires near the Colorado-Utah border June 27 when the incident occurred in Colorado, the U.S. Department of the Interior stated in a June 28 news release.
The firefighters were killed and injured during a burnover, which occurs when fire behavior changes and unexpectedly overtakes firefighters. The firefighters had deployed their protective shelters, according to a U.S. Forest Service news release June 28.
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer shared her condolences with Michigan firefighter’s family in a Facebook post.
“I am deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Clinton Township native, Emily Barker, who lost her life while fighting a wildfire in Colorado,” Whitmer said on Facebook on June 29. “My condolences go out to Emily’s loved ones. Her bravery in the face of danger kept people safe and will not soon be forgotten.”
As of Tuesday, June 30, the wildfire, known as the Snyder Fire, had consumed 30,163 acres, according to Map of Fire.
The blaze began Saturday, June 27, during a red flag warning issued by the National Weather Service due to strong winds, low humidity and dry fuel. The fire prompted evacuations.
The state is facing several other wildfires and is covered in red flag warnings as of Tuesday morning, June 30.
Contact Sarah Moore @ smoore@lsj.com
Powerball, Mega Millions jackpots: What to know in case you win
Here’s what to know in case you win the Powerball or Mega Millions jackpot.
Just the FAQs, USA TODAY
The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big.
Here’s a look at June 29, 2026, results for each game:
Winning Daily 3 numbers from June 29 drawing
Midday: 3-0-9
Evening: 4-0-7
Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Daily 4 numbers from June 29 drawing
Midday: 0-0-0-7
Evening: 0-7-7-6
Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Poker Lotto numbers from June 29 drawing
KS-3C-9D-9H-5S
Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from June 29 drawing
05-14-16-21-27
02-11-14-17-30
Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.
Winning Daily Keno numbers from June 29 drawing
09-12-13-14-21-22-26-27-30-35-36-38-41-46-55-58-67-70-71-72-76-80
Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here.
Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results
Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize
All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lottery’s Regional Offices.
To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to:
Michigan Lottery
Attn: Claim Center
101 E. Hillsdale
P.O. Box 30023
Lansing, MI 48909
For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a driver’s license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2.
If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows:
- Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325
- Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325
- Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325
- Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325
- Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325
- Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325
For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery’s prize claim page.
When are Michigan Lottery drawings held?
- Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m.
- Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily
- Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily
- Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday
- Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily
- Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily
- Millionaire for Life: 11:15 p.m. daily
This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form.
Michigan
60% of traffic restrictions to be lifted in Michigan during Fourth of July travel — what to expect
Governor Gretchen Whitmer has announced 60% of traffic restrictions will be removed for the Fourth of July weekend.
Traffic restriction removal will begin at 3 p.m. Thursday, July 2, and continue until 6 a.m. Monday, July 6.
Restrictions include road and bridge projects statewide.
106 out of 179 MDOT projects statewide will have lane restrictions removed.
For the Fourth of July weekend AAA estimates more than 2.6 million Michiganders will travel at least 50 miles or more from home.
Adjustments are aimed to keep traffic moving smoothly for the busy travel weekend.
While drivers will see suspended operations in most road work zone, equipment and certain temporary traffic shifts or shoulder closures may remain.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th birthday this Fourth of July, we want every Michigander to get where they’re going safely and with fewer delays,” said Governor Whitmer. “That’s why we’re temporarily lifting lane restrictions and removing orange barrels along key routes across the state. But once the holiday weekend ends, we’ll get right back to work fixing the damn roads.”
Here is a list of work zones and their status for the Fourth of July weekend.
Some routes may have detour routes posted at the project location.
All closures are subject to change.
Here is the most up-to-date information on MDOT projects.
Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
-
Wyoming39 seconds agoFree Crow Culture Program at Fort Phil Kearny
-
Crypto4 minutes agoUK investors sue Binance in London for £150 million
-
Finance9 minutes agoWhat the Supreme Court’s campaign finance ruling means for the 2026 election
-
Fitness16 minutes agoI pushed myself too hard at the gym – and ended up in the hospital
-
Movie Reviews24 minutes agoYoung Washington (Christian Movie Review) – The Collision
-
World34 minutes agoNeon Closing in on Luca Guadagnino’s Sam Altman Open AI Movie ‘Artificial’ After Amazon Drops Controversial Film
-
Lifestyle1 hour ago‘Dead but Dreaming of Electric Sheep’ is full of beautifully written grotesqueries
-
Technology1 hour agoGoogle’s NotebookLM can sum up your research in a TikTok-style clip
