The Michigan DNR says power has been restored at Michigan state parks in the Upper Peninsula that had been without electric service since Thursday morning.

Thunderstorms hit the Upper Peninsula early Thursday from Minnesota, toppling trees, downing electric lines and knocking out power.

National Weather Service
National Weather Service
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Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park was still without power as of Friday night, but power was expected back on soon.

Power has been fully restored at F.J. McLain State Park and Twin Lakes State Park in Houghton County, Baraga State Park in Baraga County, Fort Wilkins State Park in Keweenaw County and Lake Gogebic State Park in Gogebic County.

Two recent storms have several areas still closed at the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park because of flooding and storm damage.

Areas closed include the Speaker’s Cabin, Big Carp 6, Big Carp 4 and Lake Superior backcountry cabins, all backcountry campsites between the mouths of the Big and Little Carp rivers and backcountry campsite No. 36 at Presque Isle.

“Park visitors are also being asked to avoid the Lake Superior Trail, between the mouths of the Big and Little Carp rivers,” said John Pepin, deputy public information officer for the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.

Storm damage and cost assessments are continuing to be calculated.

Work is expected to continue through the weekend at the Emily Lake State Forest Campground, which is located a few miles south of Twin Lakes State Park in Houghton County.

“The campground will remain closed until safety hazards can be removed and the campsites readied for visitors,” Pepin said.

Thunderstorms struck the campground shortly before 7AM Thursday, knocking trees down on top of vehicles and two travel campers, which were occupied at the time. No injuries were reported.

Michigan DNR
Michigan DNR
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Of the rustic campground’s 13 campsites, 4 were being used when the storm struck.
Trees were also downed at the Pike Lake boating access site, south of Emily Lake.

“The access site is not closed, but we are asking visitors to use caution in this area,” Pepin said.

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