Severe storms swept through the Midwest early Wednesday, following reports of tornadoes in Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio. The National Weather Service issued tornado watches for parts of Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri. A deadly tornado had previously struck an Oklahoma town. Survey teams were dispatched to assess the damage in Pennsylvania, Ohio, and West Virginia, where radar indicated tornado activity. Hancock County, West Virginia, and Jefferson County, Ohio, were particularly affected, with significant damage reported.
In Michigan, two tornadoes ripped through the city of Portage and nearby areas, causing destruction to homes and commercial buildings, including a FedEx facility. No serious injuries were reported, but over 20,000 people lost power. Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller stated that numerous mobile homes in Pavilion Township were destroyed, with at least 16 people sustaining injuries. The cleanup process began the following day, with chainsaws buzzing and tree limbs being removed. More than 30,000 customers in Michigan and 10,000 in Ohio were without power early Wednesday.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for four counties affected by the storms. The National Weather Service dispatched crews to survey storm damage in several Michigan counties to confirm tornado touchdowns, including the reported incidents in Portage. The Grand Rapids office received 11 reports of tornadoes on Tuesday but had not confirmed any touchdowns as of Wednesday morning. The Midwest and South faced continued stormy weather for the week, with Indianapolis, Memphis, Nashville, St. Louis, and Cincinnati being particularly vulnerable.
The storms in the Midwest came on the heels of severe weather in Oklahoma, where a tornado struck the town of Barnsdall, destroying homes and causing at least one fatality. Governor Kevin Stitt toured the damage and allocated $45 million to assist storm-damaged communities. The state is still recovering from a previous tornado that killed four and left thousands without power. Aerial footage showed widespread destruction in Barnsdall, with homes reduced to rubble and power lines downed. The wax manufacturing facility in the area also sustained significant damage.
The cleanup efforts in Pavilion Township, Michigan, were described as tremendous, with many homes completely destroyed in the mobile home park. The community faced considerable challenges, with homes strewn about and large trees uprooted. Despite the devastation, residents were grateful for their safety, with reports of self-rescue and people finding safe shelter. The storms of recent days highlight the ongoing threat of severe weather in the region, requiring residents and officials to remain vigilant and prepared for future events.
