The National Weather Service has confirmed the occurrence of three tornadoes during the severe weather that swept through West Michigan last Thursday, resulting in downed power lines and trees damaging homes.
One tornado, classified as an EF0, traveled from the Galesburg area to Battle Creek, with wind speeds reaching up to 80 miles per hour. Another EF0 tornado was reported near Saint Marys Lake, which is located just north of Battle Creek. The most significant of the three was rated as an EF1 tornado, touching down north of Charlotte and moving northeast towards an area just west of Lansing.
The weather service is currently assessing additional damage, hinting that more tornadoes may be confirmed as crews continue their surveys. The NWS utilizes the Enhanced Fujita Scale (EF Scale) to rate tornadoes, ranging from EF0 to EF5, based on the strength and duration of their winds. Tornadoes rated as EF0 have gusts that last for at least three seconds and range between 65 and 85 miles per hour, whereas an EF1 tornado has winds that must reach a minimum of 86 miles per hour.
As clean-up efforts and assessments continue, communities are coming together, showcasing resilience and cooperation in the face of natural disasters. This serves as a reminder of the power of nature and the importance of preparedness in ensuring community safety.