Approximately 50 individuals found themselves trapped within a FedEx distribution facility when tornadoes struck Michigan and severe storms wreaked havoc across the US Midwest.
Severe tornadoes tore through regions of Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio on Tuesday night, resulting in tragic consequences. The National Weather Service reported at least one fatality and extensive destruction of numerous homes.
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Severe storms with the potential for tornadoes, along with large hail, were expected to impact several areas in Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri. Forecasters issued warnings and advised residents to stay alert as these storms could persist into the following day.
Two tornadoes wreaked havoc in the city of Portage near Kalamazoo in southwestern Michigan, causing extensive damage and leaving behind a trail of destruction. The powerful twisters tore through the city, resulting in debris from buildings scattered across the streets, as well as downed power lines and trees. The aftermath of the tornadoes has left the city’s 50,000 residents grappling with the aftermath of this devastating event.
Local authorities reported that approximately 50 individuals were trapped inside a FedEx facility due to downed power lines. First responders are currently working diligently to rescue them from the situation.
Late on Monday, Shannon Davis, a spokesperson for FedEx, confirmed that all team members had been accounted for and were safe.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has issued a state of emergency for Kalamazoo and the surrounding areas, following severe storms and hail.
According to PowerOutages, over 18,000 individuals in Kalamazoo county were affected by a power outage.
The central region of the US experienced over 12 tornado sightings from Monday evening to early Tuesday, as documented by the National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Centre.
Tornadoes were reported in Oklahoma, with sightings also recorded in Kansas, South Dakota, Iowa, Nebraska, Missouri, and Tennessee. A total of eight tornadoes were reported in Oklahoma alone.
Cities in Ohio and Kentucky, including Columbus, Cincinnati, and Louisville, are expected to face the risk of worsening weather conditions until Wednesday, as the storms are forecasted to continue for a third day.
A devastating tornado tore through Oklahoma, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake. This powerful storm decimated a significant portion of a small city with a population of 1,000 and resulted in numerous injuries. Prior to its arrival, forecasters had issued a warning about a massive and potentially life-threatening tornado that was heading towards Barnsdall and the nearby town of Bartlesville.
According to the Oklahoma Highway Patrol, around 40 homes in the town have been damaged.
According to Mayor Johnny Kelley, one individual lost their life in Barnsdall due to the tornado that occurred on Monday. Additionally, there is one person who is currently missing. In order to locate the missing individual, search and rescue teams have initiated a secondary search on Tuesday morning.
“The most challenging aspect of being the mayor for me is the fact that this is a close-knit community,” Mr. Kelley expressed. “I personally know a significant majority, around 75 to 80 percent, of the individuals residing in this town.”
“The level of destruction is quite significant.”
The aerial footage revealed a heartbreaking scene of numerous homes reduced to piles of rubble, with some even stripped of their roofs.
A powerful tornado wreaked havoc on the town, throwing vehicles, causing extensive damage to trees, and knocking down power lines. Additionally, a 160-acre wax manufacturing facility was severely affected by the destructive force of the twister.
According to Mr. Kelly, a total of 25 individuals, including children, were successfully rescued from buildings that had collapsed or suffered damage.
