VAN BUREN TOWNSHIP, Mich. – Van Buren Township was one of the hardest hit areas during Saturday’s powerful storms.
The storm ripped through one family’s barn, destroying the exterior and leaving a trail of debris across their yard and beyond.
The family spoke to Local 4’s Kyla Russell as they took stock of what happened.
Just before 6 p.m. on Saturday, Rob Salenbien and his girlfriend had just returned home from celebrating Easter. It was a typical weekend day.
“I had just put food away and the rain hit, and the power flashed off and on, and just as soon as we saw the rain, we saw high winds and I was peeking out the window and all the sudden we saw the spinning, I was like ‘Let’s go,’” Salenbien said. “When we saw it, just after the hard rains, we saw it twirling, the trees swinging all the way around, we ducked into the center of the house to get away if anything was collapsed.”
The barn is used for hosting for the most part. It’s even fit with with a bar, couches and gym equipment.
“It’s our entertainment place,” Salenbien said. “We were just hosting my family, my mom and dad is inside – their 60th wedding anniversary is coming up on April 30th, we were going to have a party here on Mary 3rd.”
There’s some damage to their house too, but they are grateful everyone is ok.
“The foundation appears to be ok, got a little bit of water in the basement, we’ll find out what that’s from. Could just be the hard rain,” he said.
Other areas in Van Buren Township took hits too.
Local 4 chatted with crews working to address downed power lines. There were at least three within a half mile radius near the intersection of East Huron River Drive and Haggerty Road.
Several trees were downed, too.
“When you look at this, what are the words that come to mind?” Local 4 asked Salenbien.
“Just thankful that everyone is ok, nobody is hurt -- we can fix wood.” he said.