SHERWOOD, MI (WTVB) – What was described as a supercell destroyed seven homes in northwest Branch County Tuesday evening.
County Emergency Management Director Tim Miner the homes were all on Arney Road, near Oliverda Road, outside of Sherwood. A number of homes were occupied when the storm hit, but there were no injuries.
Miner says downed trees and power lines across roadways made it difficult for emergency crews to reach the homes.
Tuesday night Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch, and Cass counties after several severe storm systems including swept through the counties.
“My heart goes out to all those impacted by tonight’s severe weather in southwest Michigan,” said Governor Whitmer. “State and local emergency teams are on the ground and working together to assist Michiganders. I’ve declared a state of emergency to ensure resources are expedited to the area and activated our State Emergency Operations Center. We will continue monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts overnight. I want to thank all the first responders working hard to keep Michiganders safe. We’ll get through this together.”
By declaring a state of emergency, Governor Whitmer has made available all state resources in cooperation with local response and recovery efforts in the designated area.
The declaration authorizes the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) to coordinate state efforts above and beyond what MSP/EMHSD has already been doing in conjunction with local agencies.
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