Severe storms swept through Lower Peninsula Michigan, leaving a path of destruction in their wake, particularly devastating areas along Lake St. Clair and Southwest Michigan.

Marina Mayhem: Lake St. Clair’s Aftermath

Marinas along Lake St. Clair bore the brunt of the severe weather onslaught, resulting in overturned pontoons, splintered wood, twisted metal, and live wires scattered across the landscape. The havoc caused by the storms was evident as residents and officials surveyed the damage in disbelief.

Portage Hit by EF-2 Tornado

The National Weather Service confirmed that Portage was struck by an EF-2 tornado with a peak wind speed of 135 miles per hour. The tornado’s path spanned 11 miles, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake, and its width reached 300 yards. Despite the ferocity of the storm, officials expressed relief that there were only eight minor injuries reported in Portage, with no fatalities.

Southwest Michigan Devastation

In Southwest Michigan, the tornado wreaked havoc on buildings, including a FedEx facility in Portage that was completely destroyed. Pavillion Township also suffered extensive damage, with a mobile home park bearing the brunt of the storm’s fury. Reports indicate that about 176 homes in the Pavilion Estates mobile home park were damaged, with 15-17 homes completely destroyed.

Cleanup Efforts Underway

As communities grapple with the aftermath of the severe weather, cleanup efforts are underway to restore normalcy. Officials from Kalamazoo County provided updates on the damage, revealing the extent of the devastation and the number of homes affected. Despite the widespread destruction, the community remains resilient, banding together to rebuild and support those affected by the storms.

Metro Detroit’s Brush with Disaster

Metro Detroit was not spared from the wrath of the storms, as suspected tornadoes touched down on the west side of the city, accompanied by severe thunderstorms. The aftermath left residents waking up to downed trees and power lines strewn across neighborhoods. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a State of Emergency for several counties, including Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch, and Cass, underscoring the severity of the situation.

Harvard Shore Drive: A Scene of Destruction

Harvard Shore Drive in St. Clair Shores bore witness to the destructive force of the storms, with residents recounting harrowing experiences as the weather swept through the area. Trees were uprooted, power lines were downed, and homes were damaged, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. Residents described the storm as quick but powerful, with one resident likening it to a hellacious wind that toppled a 60-year-old tree.

Safety Measures Urged

In the wake of the storms, officials emphasized the importance of safety precautions, particularly when dealing with downed power lines. Residents were urged to report any emergencies to 911 and to contact the power company for assistance. Additionally, individuals were advised to stay at least 20 feet away from downed wires, refrain from touching them or anything they may be in contact with, and keep pets and children away from the area.

Conclusion: Rebuilding Communities

As affected communities begin the arduous task of rebuilding in the aftermath of the severe storms, the resilience and strength of the human spirit shine through. Despite the destruction wrought by nature, residents stand united, offering support and assistance to one another as they work towards restoring normalcy to their lives.

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