Tornadoes reported in western Michigan, damaging several buildings

May 7, 2024 Vaseline stjohnson 0

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Amid strong thunderstorms and quarter-sized hail, a large tornado was confirmed over Portage, south of Kalamazoo, and tornado warnings are affecting several western Michigan counties.

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids says the tornado is extremely dangerous and is moving east at 35 mph, causing significant damage to homes, businesses and vehicles and possible complete destruction of the area.

Weather Radar in Michigan: See current conditions

Several buildings in Portage suffered significant damage, including a FedEx facility that collapsed, but no injuries or deaths have yet been reported.

Additionally, more than 25,000 Consumers Energy customers have been affected by the storm.

The tornado warning for Kalamazoo, Westwood, Portage and nearby areas lasts until 7 p.m., as well as a tornado watch and severe thunderstorm warnings for surrounding counties.

Shortly after 6:30 p.m., the National Weather Service reported a second severe storm capable of producing a tornado in south central Calhoun County, approaching Homer. A tornado warning is in effect in Calhoun County, affecting Battle Creek, Albion and Marshall, until 7:15 p.m.

The storm is expected to ease as it reaches southeastern Michigan, according to the National Weather Service’s Detroit/Pontiac office; however, the storm could still bring strong winds and hail.

Currently in southeastern Michigan, a tornado watch is in effect for Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe and Washtenaw counties until 11 p.m.

This is a developing story.