Portage, Michigan Devastated by Tornado: Emergency Declaration Issued

Portage, Michigan, is reeling from the destructive aftermath of a fierce tornado that tore through a significant portion of the city, causing widespread damage and power outages. The affected area is delineated by Centre Avenue, Oakland Drive, Schuring Road, and Westnedge Avenue.

Reports initially suggested the possibility of multiple tornadoes in Southwest Michigan, but the National Weather Service has confirmed only one tornado, specifically in Portage. Fortunately, there have been no reported injuries, although numerous individuals have been forced from their homes.

The Salvation Army has swiftly set up two shelters to accommodate those displaced by the calamity. One shelter is located at the First Assembly of God on 5550 Oakland Drive, while the other is situated at Radiant Church on 995 Romence Road, each with a capacity for 100 occupants.

In addition to the displacement of residents, multiple gas leaks have been reported in the area. Extensive structural damage has been observed in both residential and commercial buildings, including significant destruction at a FedEx facility.

Amid the chaos, around 20,000 customers in Portage remain without power, with Consumers Energy initiating efforts to restore electricity. The restoration process is anticipated to be completed by 10 p.m. on Wednesday, May 8. In response to the crisis, Mayor Patricia Randall of Portage has declared a state of emergency to facilitate access to state and federal resources.

A collaborative effort involving various agencies, such as the Michigan State Police, the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office, Kalamazoo Public Safety, the West Michigan 5th District Technical Rescue Team, and LifeEMS, is currently underway to address the aftermath of the storm and provide assistance to those affected.

As the community strives to recover from this natural disaster, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has approved an emergency declaration for Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch, and Cass counties. Expressing sympathy for those impacted, Whitmer emphasized the coordination between state and local emergency response teams working to aid affected individuals in Southwest Michigan.