Tornadoes, Grapefruit-Sized Hail Rip Through Southwest Michigan; Whitmer Declares State of Emergency

Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency for Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch, and Cass counties following a string of severe storm systems that ripped through the southwestern part of the state on Tuesday, May 7. The storms produced some unusual weather phenomenon, even for Michigan, including large hail up to& four& inches in diameter and at least two confirmed tornadoes, which swept through the area leaving significant damage to buildings and roads.& Early reports indicate that one twister tore through a mobile home park, leaving a dozen people injuries, with more injuries suspected. Additionally, as of approximately 9:30 p.m. Tuesday night, more than 50 people were trapped inside of a Portage, Michigan FedEx facility, as the roof was ripped off part of the building, making it unable to vacate. “My heart goes out to all those impacted by tonight’s severe weather in southwest Michigan,” said Whitmer. “State and local emergency teams are on the ground and working together to& assist& Michiganders.& I’ve& declared a state of emergency& to ensure resources& are& expedited& to the& area& and& activated our& State Emergency Operations Center. We& will continue& monitoring& the situation& and coordinating& efforts overnight. I want to thank all the...