US: Authorities responding to tornado damage in Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch, and Cass counties, Michigan, as of late May 7

Response operations are ongoing in parts of Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch, and Cass counties in southern Michigan as of late May 7 after several rounds of severe storms with embedded tornadoes moved across the region. Authorities have declared a state of emergency for the affected counties. Reports indicate extensive damage to multiple properties in Portage, including a FedEx facility that collapsed, temporarily trapping at least 50 people inside. The storms have also destroyed seven structures in Sherwood Township, Branch County.

There have been reports of downed power lines in the area; as of late May 7, more than 18,800 customers in Kalamazoo County and 4,500 customers in St. Joseph County were without power. Response operations and damage assessments are ongoing in the region; disruptions to ground travel and business operations will likely persist for several days in the affected area. Calmer weather conditions are expected over the affected area from May 8 as the severe weather system moves southwards; however, further storms and showers may develop in the region over the coming days.