Storms sweep across U.S. Midwest, killing 7 people

DETROIT -- Officials have confirmed one storm-related death in Michigan, raising to seven the toll from the heavy rain, powerful winds and tornadoes that formed across the region.

Jackson County Sheriff Steven Rand says 21-year-old Ryan Allan Rickman died when his vehicle was crushed by a fallen tree Sunday evening.

A band of moved across the Midwest on Sunday, unleashing powerful winds that flattened homes and left cars, trees and belongings strewn across neighbourhoods. Officials say the storms also killed six people in Illinois.

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  Debris from a row of homes destroyed by a tornado in Washington, Ill., is seen early Monday, Nov. 18, 2013. (AP / David Mercer)

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  An elderly woman is escorted through tornado debris in Brookport, Ill., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013. (AP / Stephen Lance Dennee)

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  Washington firefighters survey Devonshire Street on the North side of Washington, Ill., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013. (The Pantagraph, Steve Smedley)

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  A tornado left a path of devastation through the north end of Pekin, Il.,Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013. (Journal Star / Fred Zwicky)

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  Ray Baughman embraces family shortly after his home was destroyed by a tornado that left a path of devastation through the north end of Pekin, Il., Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013. (Journal Star / Fred Zwicky)

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  Chuck Phillips looks out at the destruction that tore off part of his roof and left houses around him destroyed after a tornado left a path of devastation through the north end of Pekin, Il.,Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013. (Journal Star / Fred Zwicky)

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  A garage in the Town of Hustisford collapsed and walls were turned inside-out after severe weather moved through the area Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013. (Dodge County Emergency Management / Joseph Meagher)

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  Fans are warned to take cover as a severe storm moves through Soldier Field during the first half of an NFL football game between the Chicago Bears and Baltimore Ravens, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2013, in Chicago. (AP / Charles Rex Arbogast)