A brief, but violent thunderstorm packing high winds and downpours of rain visited northeast Allegan County Thursday night.
The most dangerous part was reports of a tornado touchdown in Dorr moving eastward and a funnel touching down in Martin. There were no reports of deaths or injuries, but the storms did cause power outages and debris on the roads.
Ruby Rodriguez, who lives north of Wayland, said on Facebook, “Thankfully, we are safe, but it destroyed our barn (no cows inside) and split my food truck completely open.”
Another Facebook poster lamented, “A lot of trees and lines down on Lee Street. Our huge oak fell, miraculously fell between our house and neighbors. Is everyone else ok?”
Yet another said., “Trees over road south of 140th on 21st and east up 140th .. power lines down and across the roads.”
Allegan County Emergency Management said the severe thunderstorm included winds higher than 70 mph was moving through Allegan County. Flying debris, downed trees, and power outages and downed wires on roads were very possible, so residents were advised to “Stay indoors and away from windows.”
There were serious rumors that a tornado struck the Dollar General store in downtown Martin.
The warning sirens were activated because of the high winds and they stayed on for more time than usual.
