[ad_1]
GRAND BLANC, Mich. (WNEM) – Cleanup is already underway in and around Grand Blanc after severe weather and a tornado touched down around 1:12 a.m. on Wednesday, February 28.
Our First Alert weather team said the tornado was on the ground for 10 minutes. This is confirmed by a debris track on the radar, which developed very quickly.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said the tornado touched down at 1:12 a.m. on W. Grand Blanc Road and lifted at 1:22 a.m. on W. Atlas Road.
The tornado has been rated as an EF-2 with maximum winds of 115 miles per hour, the NWS said, adding that the tornado’s path length was 5.7 miles with a width of 450 yards.
According to the NWS, this is only the second time a tornado has been observed in February over southeastern Michigan. The previous tornado occurred on February 28, 1974 in southwestern Wayne County.
According to the Grand Blanc Police Department, the tornado touched down in Grand Blanc near Dort Highway and Reid Road. The tornado’s path moved east through Grand Blanc City, Indian Hill Subdivision, Grand Blanc Commons, Kings Pointe Subdivision, across Perry and Belsay roads, and then into Atlas Township.
According to police, several large trees were downed and debris from damaged buildings was scattered and thrown into the path of the storm. Fallen trees damaged several homes in Indian Hill and knocked out several gas lines.
The Grand Blanc Police Department, who said officers observed the tornado from their patrol cars, and the Grand Blanc Fire Department responded and evacuated several residents to the fire department.
Police and firefighters are still consulting with affected residents and assessing the damage, police said.
“We know people would like to see the impact of this storm, but we ask that everyone give emergency crews the space they need to return resources to our residents. So please, if you do not live in the affected area, stay away as the power lines are down and wait until it is safe,” police said.
Police said Consumers Energy responded to the gas leaks and made repairs, and the gas was successfully shut off at 9:40 a.m. Consumers Energy said it expects to restore power by Wednesday afternoon.
Police also said that residents who were evacuated earlier were allowed to return to their homes, however, there are still numerous reports of downed wires in the area.
According to police, no deaths or injuries have been reported.
“Last night the Grand Blanc area was hit by a devastating tornado. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this storm. We are very grateful to have reported no injuries or deaths from such a horrible tornado,” said Scott Bennett, Grand Blanc Township Supervisor. “Thank you to our Township Police and Fire Departments who have been assisting residents throughout the night and are ready to assist where needed.”
Residents in the Grand Blanc area report damage to homes and buildings, downed trees and downed power lines. Grand Blanc, Swartz Creek and Owosso schools canceled or delayed classes today due to building damage or power outages.
“Some buildings on Dort and Reid are damaged. The warehouse building is damaged,” Lt. Todd Gilbert of the Grand Blanc Township Police Department told TV5 Wednesday morning.
The police department asks that you find alternate routes for several roads, including:
- Dort Highway and Reid Highway
- Dort Highway and Grand Blanc Road (Grand Blanc Road is open)
- Dort Highway and Gibson Highway
- Reid’s Path and Porter’s Path
If you encounter downed power lines, trees or other debris in the road, smell natural gas, or need other emergency assistance, call 911.
The National Weather Service (NWS) said it plans to send its storm research team to Grand Blanc on Wednesday morning or early Wednesday afternoon. Your report comes with an official EF rating.
A tornado was also reported in the city of Marshall, Michigan, on the western side of the state.
Subscribe to TV5 Bulletin and get the latest local news and weather delivered straight to your inbox every day.
Copyright 2024 WNEM. All rights reserved.
[ad_2]
Source link