PORTAGE, Mich. — Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a State of Emergency after West Michigan saw severe weather Tuesday evening, with severe thunderstorms and multiple tornadoes.
The Midwest region saw a total of seven tornadoes, at least four of which are believed to have been in southwest Michigan and two of those four are believed to have hit Portage.
"On Tuesday, May 7, we believe that two tornadoes touched down in Portage, Michigan," said the City of Portage in a news release.
Whitmer included Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch and Cass counties in the declaration.
“My heart goes out to all those impacted by tonight’s severe weather in southwest Michigan,” said Whitmer. “State and local emergency teams are on the ground and working together to assist Michiganders. I’ve declared a state of emergency to ensure resources are expedited to the area and activated our State Emergency Operations Center. We will continue monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts overnight. I want to thank all the first responders working hard to keep Michiganders safe. We’ll get through this together.”
The City of Portage said they're seeing significant damage such as trees down across roads and gas leaks.
"The hardest hit area is bound by Centre Avenue, Oakland Drive, Schuring Road, and Westnedge Avenue," the City of Portage said.
Whitmer's declaration will help those areas by making available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the affected areas.
The declaration also authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate state efforts above and beyond what MSP/EMHSD has already been doing in conjunction with local agencies.
“My heart goes out to all of the residents, business owners and communities in Kalamazoo County and the surrounding areas impacted by tonight’s tornadoes,” said state Senator Sean McCann (D-Kalamazoo). “I appreciate the swift work of our first responders, volunteers and neighbors to help those who were injured or experienced damages, and am grateful for the governor’s equally swift response to declare an emergency in the area and dedicate state support to assist with cleanup and repairs.”
The City of Portage said that so far they haven't received any reports of serious injuries. However, due to significant damage to many homes, there are people who have been displaced. In order to help those people, the Salvation Army has set up shelters at First Assembly of God at 5550 Oakland Drive with a capacity of 100 people and Radiant Church at 995 Romence Road also with a capacity of 100.
“This evening our community has been directly impacted by the severe storm that moved through Southwest Michigan,” said state Representative Christine Morse (D-Texas Township). “The health and safety of family, friends and residents always comes first, and I can assure our community members that our local emergency responders are at work to ensure that anyone who needs assistance will get it. Along with my local and state partners we will continue to survey the damage and step in swiftly when and where needed. Daybreak will reveal the level of devastation, and I will be at-the-ready for every possible way to bring immediate relief to those affected. My office is available to help find resources and support families in need during this unexpected crisis.”
Over 23,000 people in the southwest area of Michigan were left without power after the storms. The City of Portage said that Consumers Energy has already begun restoration efforts. They estimated most people will not have power restored until 10 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8.
Earlier Tuesday evening, Portage Mayor Patricia M. Randall issued an emergency declaration in order to not only secure resources from the State of Michigan but also from the Federal Government to help the community as they rebuild after the damage.
For now, the City of Portage is recommending all residents continue to shelter in place and check on their neighbors. They ask people stay off the roads in order to allow access for first responders.
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