The victims are being treated in four separate hospitals.
21 May 2022, 02:24
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One person was killed, several were injured and “severe damage” was reported after a devastating tornado devastated northern Michigan on Friday afternoon, authorities said.
A Munson Healthcare spokesman confirmed that there had been one death and 44 injuries. The speaker could not say about the severity of the injuries.
The victims are being treated in four separate hospitals. 23 patients were admitted to Otsego Memorial Hospital, 12 patients to Grayling Hospital, eight patients to McLaren Northern Michigan Petoskey and one patient to Munson Medical Center Traverse City.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed a declaration of state of emergency for Now County on Friday night.
“Michigan is difficult. We are resilient. We will do what is necessary for recovery. “There is no challenge we can’t handle together,” she said on Twitter.
Michigan State Police for the Seventh District confirmed that a tornado had fallen in County Now.
“Trees and power lines are blocking the roads. “Many homes and businesses have been damaged,” the agency said on Twitter. “Avoid the Gaylord area. Emergency crews are responding.”
This image, provided by Stephen Bischer, shows damage following an apparent tornado on May 20, 2022 in Gaylord, Michigan.
This image, provided by Stephen Bischer, shows damage following an apparent tornado on May 20, 2022 in Gaylord, Michigan.
State police said there was “severe damage” throughout the area.
Gaylord residents have been asked to take shelter until 8 a.m. on Saturday due to the “continuing state of emergency,” state police said.
This image, provided by Stephen Bischer, shows damage following an apparent tornado on May 20, 2022 in Gaylord, Michigan.
Photos from the scene show leveled buildings, damaged business roofs, downed trees and overturned cars.
“My heart is with families and small businesses affected by the tornado and bad weather in Gaylord,” Whitmer wrote on Twitter. “The whole Gaylord-Michigan community is with you. We will do whatever it takes to recover.”
A strong thunderstorm was observed for the region in the evening, with the National Weather Service warning that “an isolated tornado in a larger area cannot be ruled out.”
William Gretsky contributed to this report.
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