United States - May 07, 2024

Sheriff Fuller of the Kalamazoo County Sheriff's Office has released a comprehensive video presentation detailing the agency's response to the May 7, 2024 tornado that struck the region. The tornado, classified as an EF-2 with maximum winds of 135 mph by the National Weather Service, carved an 11-mile path over 22 minutes, impacting several communities including mobile home sites, apartment complexes, and commercial structures.

The presentation includes radar imagery, alert details, emergency calls, and several minutes of video footage capturing deputies engaged in search and rescue operations. The tornado touched down near South 10th Street and West R Avenue, lifting for the final time near East N Avenue & 31st Street.

During the event, the Sheriff's Office deputies coordinated evacuations, assisted in search and rescue efforts, and identified critical infrastructure needs such as electrical and gas main shutoffs. Emergency Management teams assessed over 1,100 buildings across Texas Township, Portage, and Pavilion Townships, noting 135 structures were destroyed and 264 suffered major damage. Additionally, 20,000 residents were left without power, and 16 individuals reported injuries countywide.