GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Thousands were without power, roads were blocked by downed trees and power lines, and some schools were closed Wednesday after thunderstorms moved through West Michigan overnight, bringing heavy rain, high winds and multiple apparent tornadoes.
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A tornado moved through Allegan County, the county’s emergency manager confirmed. In southern Montcalm County, a tornado was observed on the ground, according to reports from the National Weather Service. Near Grand Rapids, a severe storm produced an 80 mph wind gust and tracked directly over the Gerald R. Ford International Airport. NWS teams will survey the damage Wednesday.
The continued heavy rain also caused flooding in some areas. In Kent County, flooding shut down a few roads Wednesday: Reeds Lake Boulevard SE from the East Beltline to Manhattan Road SE; Konkle Drive NE off Jupiter Avenue NE; and Willow Drive NE from 4 Mile Road NE to the end. You should never drive through standing water.
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In Allegan County, nearly 11,000 customers were without power as of 6:10 a.m. Wednesday, according to the Consumers Energy power map. That’s more than 19% of the county’s customers.
In Otsego Wednesday morning, News 8 saw a massive tree that had crashed into a house, leaving a hole in the roof and causing the porch to cave in. Nearby, Consumers Energy crews were attending to downed power lines.
News 8 encountered many downed trees across the county. Closer to Plainwell, two large trees were down over 106th, making the road completely impassable. With no streetlights, it was difficult to see. Drivers should keep an eye out for any debris that may be blocking the road…