In a devastating turn of events, a pre-Civil War era barn on a family farm in Michigan was destroyed by an EF-2 tornado on Thursday night. The farm, which has been in the family for nearly 200 years, holds significant historical value to the owners. The tornado was part of a series of storms that struck the state, resulting in the deaths of five people.

The owner of the farm, Tim Dietz, shared his experience of the storm, recalling the moment when the tornado hit. The damage was extensive, with shattered windows and walls ripped off their home. The barn, built before the Civil War, held both historical and sentimental value for the family.

Consumers Energy, the local utility company, has been working tirelessly to restore power to the thousands of affected homes and businesses. As of Friday evening, they had restored power to over 25% of those affected. The company has deployed over 660 crews from different states to assist in the restoration efforts.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has expressed her intention to declare a state of emergency in response to the severe weather and its aftermath. The National Weather Service is also investigating the tornadoes in Kent and Ingham counties.

Overall, this devastating tornado has not only caused loss of life but has also robbed the Dietz family of a significant piece of their history. The impact of the storm serves as a reminder of the destructive power of nature.