GRAND BLANC TOWNSHIP, Michigan — The tornado that tore through the southeast part of Michigan Tuesday night into Wednesday morning has been confirmed as an EF-2.
The tornado touched down in Grand Blanc Township near Creasey Bicentennial Park on Porter Road around 1:20 a.m. Wednesday, Township officials said. It traveled east along Reid Road toward Dort Highway, moving through the City of Grand Blanc and into Atlas Township.
No one was injured, according to the National Weather Service, but many homes and businesses were damaged or even destroyed.
Wind gusts got up to 115 mph and the tornado traveled almost 6 miles. The width of its path was about 450 yards.
This is the second-ever tornado to touch down in southeast Michigan in February. The previous one was in southwest Wayne County on February 28, 1974.
Damage near Reid Road and Dort Highway in Grand Blanc Township
“The Grand Blanc area was struck by a devastating tornado last night. Our hearts go out to all those affected by this storm. We are very grateful that we did not have any reported injuries or fatalities from such a horrific tornado,” said Scott Bennett, Township Supervisor. “Thank you to our Township Fire and Police departments who have been assisting residents throughout the night and are ready to help wherever needed.”
Grand Blanc Township Police and fire are still on scene assessing the damage. Everyone is asked to avoid Dort Highway between Grand Blanc Road and Reid Road, Reid Road between Porter Road and Grand Oak Drive and Creasey Bicentennial Park.
A second tornado was confirmed by the NWS Wednesday afternoon. An EF-1 with maximum wind gusts of 110mph was confirmed in Calhoun County. The tornado touched down sometime before 12:35 a.m. Wednesday morning.
You can see that damage below.
Calhoun County storm damage
Officials remind residents that if you spot downed power lines or other hazards like trees in the road, you're asked to call 911. Always be alert for the smell of natural gas after a storm and keep generators a minimum of 30 feet away from your home.
If you ever wondered how 13 ON YOUR SIDE handles severe weather coverage, check out this video with George Lessens as he goes behind the scenes of our coverage of an EF-1 tornado touching down in Kent County in 2023:
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