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A tornado touched down in Ottawa County on Tuesday night, causing damage to several homes.
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Tornado warning
A tornado has been reported in Ottawa County. The tornado was spotted near the city of Warsaw. The tornado is heading east at 30 miles per hour.
What to do when a tornado warning is issued
If a tornado warning is issued for your area, take immediate shelter in a sturdy building. If you are unable to get to a shelter, lie flat in the lowest area of the ground you can find, such as a ditch or ravine. Cover your head and body with anything you have available to protect yourself from flying debris, such as a blanket, mattress or sleeping bag. Try to stay away from windows.
Tornado watch
The National Weather Service has issued a tornado watch for Ottawa County until 9 p.m. Sunday. A tornado was reported near the community of Pinckney at 5:47 p.m. Sunday, the National Weather Service said. The tornado was moving east at 40 mph.
What to do when a tornado watch is issued
When a tornado watch is issued, it means that conditions are favorable for the development of tornadoes. You should take steps to prepare for a possible tornado, or take shelter if one is already occurring.
If you are in an area that is under a tornado watch, keep an eye on the sky and be prepared to take shelter if a tornado warning is issued. Tornado warnings are issued when a tornado has been sighted or is indicated by radar. If you see a tornado, take shelter immediately!
If you are in a building, go to the lowest level and get to the center of the building, away from windows. If you are in a vehicle, get out and find shelter in a nearby building. If no shelter is available, lie down in a ditch or low-lying area and cover your head with your hands.
Stay tuned to your local news for updates on the situation, and be prepared to take action if the watch is upgraded to a warning.
Tornado safety
Tornadoes are one of the most destructive weather events that can occur. They are typically characterized by a rotating, funnel-shaped cloud that extends from the base of a thunderstorm to the ground. Tornadoes can cause extensive damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure. They can also uproot trees, snapped power lines, and create large debris fields.
What to do when a tornado is approaching
If you are in a structure, go to the lowest level of the building in an interior room or hallway.
If you are in a vehicle, park the vehicle in a ditch or low-lying area away from trees, power lines or other large objects that could fall on the vehicle.
Stay in your shelter until the tornado has passed.
After the tornado
It has been a week since the tornado touched down in Ottawa county, and the community is still coming together to help those who were affected. The tornado caused extensive damage to many homes and businesses, but the people of Ottawa county are resilient. Here is what some of the residents are saying about the aftermath of the tornado.
What to do after a tornado has passed
Once the tornado has passed, it is important to assess the damage to your home and property. If there is significant damage, it is important to stay out of the affected areas until it is safe to return. Once you have determined it is safe to return, be sure to watch out for downed power lines, broken glass, and other debris. If you see any downed power lines, do not approach or touch them. Contact your local utility company to report the downed line and wait for assistance.
If your home has sustained damage, be sure to document the damage with photographs or video for insurance purposes. Have a qualified contractor assess the damage before making any repairs. If your home is without power, be sure to follow all safety precautions when using generators or other alternative sources of power.
It is also important to check on your neighbors after a tornado. Many times people will not realize they have sustained damage until after the event has passed. By checking on your neighbors, you can help ensure that everyone in your community is safe and has what they need in the aftermath of a disaster.
