Kalamazoo County Hit by Tornadoes
On the evening of May 7, Kalamazoo County, MI, experienced the destructive force of two tornadoes, causing widespread damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure.
Power Outages and Destruction
The storms struck between 6 p.m. and 7 p.m., resulting in power outages for thousands of residents. Particularly hard-hit areas included Westnedge Avenue, Centre Avenue, and Oakland Drive, as reported by Portage city officials.
The FedEx building located at 6701 Portage Road bore the brunt of one of the tornadoes, with its roof collapsing and leaving the interior exposed. Following the storm, 50 employees found themselves trapped inside the damaged building, requiring rescue efforts to be undertaken by first responders.
Another location severely impacted by the tornadoes was Pavilion Estates Mobile Home Park at 6830 East N Ave. in Pavilion Township. The Sheriff’s Office reported that 17 homes were completely demolished, while 173 others suffered varying degrees of damage.
Visual Evidence of Devastation
Witness the aftermath of the storms through a series of 16 photos showcasing the destruction caused by the tornadoes.
Environmental Impact
The reported tornadoes wreaked havoc on the landscape, toppling trees along Romence Road Parkway and Lovers Lane. The storm’s intensity led to a gas main rupture and the downing of multiple power lines in the area.
Mobile Home Park Devastation
Pavilion Estates bore the brunt of the tornado’s fury, with multiple homes being destroyed and the community suffering significant damage.
Severe Weather Strikes Southwest Michigan
Recent severe weather in Southwest Michigan has left a trail of destruction in its wake, impacting various communities in the region. The aftermath of the storm has caused significant damage to homes, buildings, and properties, highlighting the importance of preparedness and resilience in the face of natural disasters.
Evacuation and Shelter
Residents of Pavilion Estates were forced to evacuate their homes following the reported tornado that swept through the area. They sought refuge at a nearby gas station before being relocated to shelters set up to accommodate those displaced by the storm.
Damage Assessment
The storm’s impact extended beyond residential areas, with farm buildings near Pavilion Estates also sustaining damage. Additionally, homes on Lovers Lane and Romence Road suffered significant structural damage, emphasizing the destructive force of the weather event.
Community Response
In the midst of the chaos, community members came together to support one another. Tracy Schlotterback, a resident staying at Pavilion Estates, recounted the harrowing experience of protecting his family during the storm by taking shelter under a mattress. The resilience and solidarity displayed by individuals in the face of adversity underscored the strength of the community.
Recovery Efforts
As affected areas begin the process of recovery and rebuilding, it is essential for residents to prioritize safety and preparedness. The incident serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of severe weather and the importance of taking proactive measures to mitigate risks and ensure the well-being of individuals and communities.
Portage Tornado Leaves Residents in Shock
On a fateful Tuesday, May 7, Portage, MI, experienced a devastating tornado that left residents in disbelief. The aftermath of the storm was nothing short of chaotic, with homes and properties bearing the brunt of nature’s fury.
Surviving the Storm
Jeff Heath, a resident on Lovers Lane, found himself in the eye of the storm as a tree crashed through his roof. Miraculously, he and his six feline companions emerged unscathed, a testament to the unpredictable nature of tornadoes.
Community Resilience
Heath’s neighbor faced a harrowing ordeal when she was trapped in her home by fallen trees that pierced through her roof. The tight-knit community rallied together to ensure her safety, highlighting the importance of unity in times of crisis.
Impact on Infrastructure
The tornado’s wrath extended to Romence Road Parkway, where several cars found themselves ensnared by the debris of fallen trees. The scene was a stark reminder of nature’s indiscriminate power and the need for preparedness in the face of such calamities.
“In the face of adversity, the true strength of a community shines through,” remarked a local resident, reflecting on the resilience displayed by Portage residents in the aftermath of the tornado.
As Portage begins the arduous task of rebuilding and recovery, the spirit of camaraderie and support among its residents serves as a beacon of hope in the midst of destruction.
Impact of Tornado in Portage, Michigan
Recent tornadoes in Portage, Michigan, have left a trail of destruction, affecting various businesses and residential areas in the region. The storms caused significant damage to industrial locations such as Stryker and Pfizer, disrupting normal operations.
Businesses Affected by the Storms
Many Portage-based businesses, including Stryker and Pfizer, were impacted by the recent tornadoes. The severe weather conditions led to toppled trees and structural damage, forcing businesses to assess the extent of the destruction and plan for recovery.
Damage to Residential Areas
The tornadoes also caused serious damage to residential areas in Portage, with reports of injuries at the Pavilion Estates mobile home park. First responders were quick to arrive at the scene to provide assistance and support to those affected by the natural disaster.
Community Response and Recovery Efforts
In the aftermath of the tornadoes, the Portage community came together to support one another and begin the process of rebuilding. Despite the challenges posed by the storms, residents showed resilience and unity in the face of adversity.
Hope Amidst Destruction
Despite the devastation caused by the tornadoes, a rainbow appeared in the Portage skyline, symbolizing hope and renewal. The natural phenomenon served as a reminder of the community’s strength and ability to overcome challenges together.
Kalamazoo Tornadoes Leave a Trail of Destruction
Following reports of two tornadoes touching down in Portage, MI on Tuesday, May 7, a stunning rainbow graced the skies, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation.
If you’re seeking more news from the Kalamazoo area, be sure to bookmark the local Kalamazoo news page or subscribe to the free “3@3 Kalamazoo” daily newsletter for regular updates.
Latest Developments in Kalamazoo
Related
Twisting Fury: A Visual Journey Through Kalamazoo County’s Tornadoes
Energy: The Togolese Storage Company now has a photovoltaic power plant
Inauguration of the photovoltaic solar power plant
The Togolese Warehousing Company (STE) now has a photovoltaic solar power plant, inaugurated this Tuesday. This company, responsible for the storage and distribution of petroleum products, is thus beginning its transition process to solar energy.
Intended to produce 30% of the energy consumed by the said company, this 90.6 KWp power plant is installed on an area of 426 m2.
“The facility itself covers an area of 426 m2, half of the facility serves as parking for staff vehicles and the rest of the facility, placed on the roofs of existing buildings. The nominal capacity under study is 90.6kwp. At the end of the work, the production tests carried out from April 1 to 30 gave the results, the total energy consumption of the company 34.98 Mwh and over this period the plant produced 10.36Mwh and the self-consumption of 10.36 Mwh. So no loss, which gives us production and self-consumption of 30%. It’s huge that overnight, we become autonomous at 30% of our energy capacity,” explained Tchalla Péré, general director of STE.
Partial view of support
The installation of this plant will therefore make it possible to reduce the STE’s energy consumption by 30% while allowing the company to make a 30% reduction in the cost of its energy consumption.
“After more than 60 years of activity, the STE opts for a photovoltaic solar power plant as an alternative energy, in order to operate its industrial unit. This initiative fits with the government’s policy in its approach towards clean and environmentally friendly energy as advocated in the government roadmap 2020-2025,” underlined the chief of staff representing the Minister of Commerce.
In the coming months, the STE plans to achieve 75% of its energy self-sufficiency thanks to solar energy.
“The board of directors was kind enough to support the STE in the transition to green energy because for us, it is important that the work is done in good conditions. If we agreed to develop photovoltaics here, it is to develop fossil energy where it is necessary to truly ensure the energy transition. And I hope that we can go further,” confided Dimitri Nohé, chairman of the board of directors of STE.
Remember that STE was created in April 1962, with the main activity of storing and loading/delivering petroleum products (gasoline, diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel) to the owners of service stations. FIN
Chrystelle MENSAH
Related
Energy: The Togolese Storage Company now has a photovoltaic power plant
Hamburg port birthday: criticism from environmentalists | > – News
As of: May 8, 2024 12:14 p.m
The organizers of the harbor birthday are expecting hundreds of thousands of visitors again. The nature conservation association NABU complains that the fine dust pollution during the celebration is very high due to the many ships.
Many people travel to Hamburg especially for the port birthday. It is therefore an important event for tourism in the city. Environmentalists, on the other hand, consider it to be “completely out of time”.
NABU: “Air pollution in the port”
“We keep calling for the port anniversary to be more sustainable and there are always conflicting goals. The city always acts as if it takes all sustainability aspects into account,” says Malte Siegert, managing director of NABU Hamburg. He also criticizes the tractor ballet, in which “5,000 hp machines blow a lot of fuel again.” The many large and small ships powered by fossil fuels “are damaging the climate and, above all, polluting the air on the northern edge of the harbor.”
Shipping companies on a growth path
Particularly criticized: cruise shipping. The main season has been running since April. After the end of the pandemic years, the large shipping companies see themselves on a growth path again. “The topic of shipping companies and cruises to and from Hamburg – there is a big development to be seen: On the land side, the city is doing a lot here in terms of supplying the ships. But also the shipping companies. In this respect, we see the shipping companies’ commitment as positive overall, even if goals have now been postponed,” says Sascha Albertsen, Head of Communications at Hamburg Tourismus GmbH. Malte Siegert from Nabu replies: “I find it strange that a shipping company is being highlighted with a drone show that has just postponed its climate goals from 2040 to 2050.”
Sustainability on the NGO mile
The topic of sustainability is now also on the agenda: “This year, for example, the topic of sustainability is being discussed at an NGO mile for the first time,” says Albertsen. The topic of events is becoming more sustainable and concepts are also being implemented there to reduce the footprint.
Sustainability not a priority
But sustainability is not the top priority for most visitors, but rather the mood. And gradually the city fills with visitors from all directions. “We are expecting many, many visitors from Hamburg, from the metropolitan region and also from outside the city. And the port anniversary is a really important driving force for Hamburg economically, also in terms of visitor numbers,” said Albertsen.
Nabu: “Fireworks are no longer appropriate”
Malte Siegert, on the other hand, counters: “You can of course celebrate the port’s birthday because it is also a tourist event for the city. We would have liked to have just done a laser show or just one with drones. Now you do a drone show and a To be honest, I don’t think that classic fireworks are up to date anymore.”
Further information
Hamburg is celebrating its 835th port anniversary. Pictures, videos and information about the folk festival in the Hanseatic city. more
The background is that the shipping company Hapag-Lloyd no longer wants to come to Hamburg with very large container freighters in the future. (01/22/2024) more
According to a study, cruise ships in the port produce about as much sulfur oxides as all cars in the Hanseatic city. (06/16/2023) more
This topic in the program:
Hamburg Journal | April 7, 2022 | 19:30 o’clock
Related
Hamburg port birthday: criticism from environmentalists | > – News