Severe storms and tornadoes hit the Midwest on Tuesday evening, causing widespread destruction in Michigan. In Kalamazoo County, a tornado struck the city of Portage, leaving behind downed power lines, trees, and building debris. A FedEx facility in Portage also sustained significant damage, but fortunately, there were no serious injuries reported. Another tornado warning was issued for the county, and roughly 20,000 customers were left without power as emergency workers responded to the aftermath of the storm. Tornado warnings were also issued in cities across Wisconsin, Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Ohio as the storms moved through the region.
The National Weather Service’s Storm Prediction Center warned that about 13.5 million people in parts of Indiana, northern Kentucky, and western Ohio were at an enhanced risk for severe thunderstorms, strong tornadoes, and large hail on Tuesday evening. Roughly 16 million people in portions of Illinois, Michigan, Ohio, and Tennessee faced a slight risk of severe weather. Meteorologists also cautioned that the storms could produce heavy rain leading to localized flash flooding, with urban areas, roads, small streams, and low-lying areas being most vulnerable. Fortunately, power outages in Missouri, Arkansas, and Oklahoma had been mostly restored by early Tuesday.
In the southern Plains, at least 15 tornadoes were reported on Monday night, with one tornado in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, being up to two miles wide and causing one fatality. The tornado leveled about a third of the city, damaged up to 40 homes, and caused multiple injuries. The roof of a nursing home in Barnsdall was lifted off, but all residents were safely evacuated. Emergency responders in Bartlesville, Oklahoma, rescued trapped individuals and recovered downed power lines with only minor injuries reported. In neighboring Osage Nation Reservation, officials warned residents to stay clear of the damaged areas. Despite the significant destruction, Mayor Johnny Kelley expressed relief at the low number of casualties, considering the scale of devastation.
The storm system extended across the Midwest, with tornado warnings issued in multiple states and residents urged to take precautions. The Weather Service highlighted the likelihood of strong tornadoes, frequent lightning, and strong wind gusts in the affected areas. Heavy rainfall led to concerns about flash flooding, especially in urban areas and low-lying regions. The Weather Service’s warnings underscored the need for residents to stay informed, heed evacuation orders, and take necessary safety measures during severe weather events. The collaboration of emergency responders and officials across the region was crucial in ensuring a timely and effective response to the storms and tornadoes that impacted communities in the Midwest on Tuesday evening.
