PORTAGE, Mich. – Two tornadoes touched down in West Michigan, leaving significant damage to residential and commercial buildings.
Officials say massive storms brought down trees across many city roads on Tuesday (May 7).
Immediate action was taken to address the situation, and there were several reports of gas leaks.
The hardest hit area was bound by Centre Avenue, Oakland Drive, Schuring Road, and Westnedge Avenue.
There were no reports of severe injuries as of 11:30 p.m. Tuesday, but officials say several people have been displaced.
Due to the tornadoes that caused massive damage in West Michigan on Tuesday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch, and Cass Counties after a severe storm system.
Declaration of State of Emergency by brandon carr on Scribd
Consumers Energy has already begun restoration efforts as they confirmed that just over 20,000 customers are without power.
They estimate that most customers will not be restored until 10 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8.
Mayor Patricia M. Randall has issued an emergency declaration to secure resources from the State and federal government. The city is currently being assisted by the Michigan State Police, Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Department, Kalamazoo Public Safety, West Michigan 5th District Technical Rescue Team, LifeEMS, and others.
The Salvation Army has established two shelters:
- First Assembly of God at 5550 Oakland Drive - Capacity 100
- Radiant Church at 995 Romence Road - Capacity 100
Residents are urged to shelter in place and to check on their neighbors.