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Whitmer declares emergency after multiple tornadoes hit SW Michigan

Damage from reported possible tornado on Driftwood Dr in Colon Twp, St. Joseph County. (Michigan State Police)

Multiple tornadoes caused severe damage in West Michigan on Tuesday.

Michigan Gov. Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch, and Cass counties after a severe storm system, including large hail up to four inches in diameter and at least two confirmed tornadoes, swept through the area leaving significant damage to buildings and roads.

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“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.”

By declaring a state of emergency, Whitmer has made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated area.

The declaration 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.

---> More: Damage reported in possible tornadoes in Portage, Michigan

Thousands are without power in the area, according to Consumers Energy.


About the Author
Ken Haddad headshot

Ken Haddad has proudly been with WDIV/ClickOnDetroit since 2013. He also authors the Morning Report Newsletter and various other newsletters, and helps lead the WDIV Insider team. He's a big sports fan and is constantly sipping Lions Kool-Aid.

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