Four tornadoes confirmed in West Michigan after severe storms swept through the region Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning, leaving damage across Allegan, Montcalm and Branch counties.
Residents of Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties received tornado warnings before the storms passed, but the confirmed tornadoes touched down in neighboring counties with significant damage reported.
The National Weather Service confirmed the following tornadoes:
An EF-0 tornado touched down in Branch County near Coldwater in the early morning hours of Wednesday. Damage was reported south and southeast of the area during a survey of storm damage and photos.
Two tornadoes were confirmed in Allegan County: an EF-1 and an EF-0. Meteorologists noted there was a non-continuous path of tornadic damage, which is why there are two separate touchdowns. The EF-1 damage began north of Otsego and survey teams were following the path to see if it continued into Barry County.
An EF-1 tornado touched down in Montcalm County just east of Fenwick, according to the National Weather Service. Max wind speeds were estimated at 110 mph, which meteorologists consider a high-end EF-1. Surveyors found roof damage and outbuildings that were blown apart, adding the tornado's path length was about 19 miles. The tornado lifted in Gratiot County near Perrinton.
A third survey is expected near the Gerald R. Ford International Airport in Kent County.
The storms moved through the region Tuesday night into early Wednesday morning. Updates from the National Weather Service showed multiple counties under tornado warning throughout the night, including Kalamazoo and Calhoun Counties where residents received alerts.
Cleanup efforts continue across the affected communities. Tens of thousands of customers were without power after the severe overnight storms. High school sports were cancelled or abandoned as survey teams assessed the damage.
The National Weather Service continues to release details about damage paths, length, and intensity as survey teams compile results. Additional information regarding the tornado tracks and damage will be released as results are compiled.