Locals speak out about Gaylord tornado, impact on the Northern Michigan community

GAYLORD, Mich. – Locals speak about the homes and businesses that were left destroyed after a tornado went through Gaylord, Michigan.

“It was on the ground for two miles,” said a Gaylord resident.

Culver’s manager, Jayme Elya explained that she saw the tornado go destroy the Hobby Lobby off of M-32.

A woman was injured due to debris at the Culvers. The woman dropped in front of the Culver’s window as the tornado was passing through.

She had metal and glass that gashed into her.

Check out the latest update from officials: What to know about the tornado that touched down Friday in Gaylord

Michigan State Police and Mayor Sharrad say the tornado first hit in a mobile home park and continued in about a two to three-mile span through the Gaylord commercial corridor.

“I would say it was on the ground for about two miles,” said Gaylord Mayor Sharrad. “It did wipe out a Hobby Lobby, Jimmy Johns, Quick Lube on our west side of town, and then it came into town, and it wiped out a lot of homes.”

Rescue efforts were in full effect as ambulances were racing back and forth. The clean-up is underway as well as Local 4 saw a few MDOT trucks rolling into town as well.