Destructive tornadoes and storms pummel Michigan Tuesday, and millions more face a similar threat Wednesday
A rash of tornadoes tore through Michigan on Tuesday, causing injuries, property damage, and leaving residents shaken. The most significant damage occurred in Kalamazoo County, where a confirmed tornado ripped through Pavilion Township, striking a mobile home park.
Deadly Threat Averted, Injuries Reported
According to Kalamazoo County emergency management spokesperson Andrew Alspach, over a dozen people sustained minor injuries in the mobile home park and were transported to local hospitals. Thankfully, there were no reports of fatalities.
Multiple Communities Impacted
Portage, another Kalamazoo County town, may have been hit by two separate tornadoes. Homes and businesses suffered significant damage, including a major FedEx facility that sustained a large roof tear. Fortunately, no serious injuries were reported there either. However, downed power lines trapped approximately 50 people inside the facility for several hours.
The storm's destructive path extended beyond Kalamazoo County. In St. Joseph County, a possible tornado devastated Centreville, flattening homes and destroying multiple businesses. Undersheriff Jason Bingaman described the damage as catastrophic, with roofs ripped off and entire structures leveled. Similarly, Branch County emergency management reported at least seven homes destroyed by the severe weather.
Historic Tornado Warning Issued
Tornado Season in Full Force
The period from April to June marks peak tornado season in the US, with May typically being the most active month. This year continues that trend. An alarming streak of 13 consecutive days, starting April 25th, has seen at least one tornado reported daily across the nation. The Storm Prediction Center (SPC) logged nearly 300 tornado reports during this period, including at least two confirmed EF4 tornadoes (powerful tornadoes with winds exceeding 200 mph).
Continued Threat on Wednesday
The severe weather threat persists into Wednesday. Nearly 4 million residents across Missouri, Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee, including Nashville, face a Level 4 out of 5 risk of severe thunderstorms. This signifies a high likelihood of encountering damaging winds, large hail, and potentially strong tornadoes (EF2 or greater).
An additional 50 million people from Texas to the mid-Atlantic are under a Level 2 or 3 risk, indicating a moderate to significant chance of encountering severe weather. Storms are expected to develop throughout the morning in eastern Kansas, gaining strength as they move eastward towards Missouri. This early activity will significantly influence the rest of the day's weather pattern.
Severe Weather Breakdown by Region
Afternoon Threat: Parts of Missouri, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, and Tennessee face the greatest risk of strong tornadoes, particularly later in the afternoon.
Storms Everywhere: Additional storms will erupt across the Southern Plains stretching towards the mid-Atlantic throughout the afternoon. Areas from Texas to Kentucky and Tennessee are most susceptible to damaging winds and large hail, although any storm could produce such conditions.
Double Doses: Some regions, particularly Tennessee, could face multiple rounds of severe storms throughout the day, increasing the risk of flooding due to torrential rainfall. The National Weather Service warns of a Level 3 out of 4 flash flood risk concentrated over Kentucky, Tennessee, and surrounding areas. Rainfall rates exceeding 2 inches per hour are possible, leading to flash flooding. Locations hit by multiple rounds of heavy storms could receive over 4 to 5 inches of rain.
Staying Prepared
Residents in affected areas should closely monitor weather updates and heed all warnings issued by local authorities. Having a severe weather plan in place, including a designated shelter location and a communication plan, is crucial. If a tornado warning is issued, seek immediate shelter in a basement or interior room on the lowest floor.
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