Recovery efforts continue after deadly tornado
GAYLORD, Mich. (WNEM) – As of Sunday morning, the Michigan State Police said no people remained untested and that power had been restored to 99% of customers following a deadly tornado in Northern Michigan.
Energy Consumer said 15,000 customers were affected by the storm, with dozens of power lines and poles downed.
Two people were killed in a rare tornado on May 20 that damaged houses, roadways, and small businesses. As of May 21, no other deaths have been reported.
Lieutenant Derrick Carroll said both victims were in their 70s and lived in Nottingham Forest Mobile Home Park.
Sunday afternoon, the State Police said Nottingham residents will be able to return to their property after 1pm. To enter, residents must present identification and proof of residency.
Investigators said the first victim was not found dead, but the second was. Otsego County Sheriff Chris Martin said the mobile home park suffered a tremendous amount of damage, and about 95 percent of the park was destroyed.
State Police said there are currently 44 victims in the area and surrounding hospitals.
The State Police have set up a hotline to notify the missing. If you need to report a missing person, call 989-732-7858.
A report from National Weather Service classified the storm as an EF-3 tornado. More thunderstorms were tracked across northern Michigan, some heavy hail in some areas.
A balloon launch conducted ahead of the storm on Friday uncovered a rare environment that can produce damaging winds, very large hail and tornadoes.
The National Weather Service estimated that peak winds reached about 150 mph and that the tornado moved 16.6 miles before a mile northeast of Sparr.
John Boris, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service Station in Gaylord, said the tornado was very unusual. According to Boris, the tornado stayed on the ground for 26 minutes, traveling about 55 miles per hour and taking about three minutes to move through town.
Of the 15 tornadoes that typically hit Michigan in a year, Boris said Gaylord rarely sees any high wind events and most are downstairs.
Saturday afternoon, Lieutenant Colonel Garlin Gilchrist visited the site of the storm to assess the damage.
“Everything from food, to baby formula, to diapers, we will make sure people have everything they need,” said Governor Garlin Gilchrist. “That’s what we do, we back each other up. We stand tall for each other. ”
Gilchrist said he is praying for each soul affected by the storm and hopes they continue to make progress in their recovery.
On Saturday afternoon, the State Police activated 211, which residents can use to obtain resources or self-report home damage. The State Police said residents do not need to file a police report for vehicle damage caused by tornadoes. Instead, residents should contact their insurance agent to make a claim.
The Gaylord Police Department says insurance agencies will need to assess damaged property as it is.
Local police also said that loose vegetation could be taken to the Gaylord Public Works Department. Loose construction materials may be brought to the Ostego County Fairgrounds parking lot.
The Gaylord Police Department is also warning residents about contractors, saying repairs are needed but contractors sometimes deceive property owners during times of disaster.
Gaylord E-Free Church is providing hot meals, diapers and hygiene items. Medical and shelter services are also available. You can call 989-732-2647 with questions.
If you want to help people affected by the tornado, Ostego County United Way will make a donation at link.
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