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National Weather Service confirms EF-1 tornado hit SW Michigan during storms

Colon EF-1 Tornado Damage
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COLON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXMI) — The National Weather Service says Wednesday night’s storms in Michigan resulted in a tornado in St. Joseph and Branch counties.

The NWS confirmed an EF-1 tornado in Colon, with estimated peak winds at 90 miles per hour.

The tornado’s path length was an estimated 2.92 miles, with a maximum path width of 50 yards.

It started at 11:09 p.m. in Colon and ended at 11:14 p.m. in Branch County’s Sherwood, according to the NWS.

NWS Confirms EF-1

NWS Damage Survey results show that the tornado resulted in no injuries and no deaths.

The tornado developed almost directly over a storage facility on the east side of Colon, blowing off garage doors and leading to a significant loss of roof decking and metal covering.

The winds took, twisted and threw wood and metal debris up to 200 yards east and north of the facility and into nearby fields.

Colon EF-1 Tornado Damage

Additionally, trees were damaged throughout the area, including on Ambs, South Culver and Jackson roads.

For reference, the EF Scale is as follows:

  • EF-0: Weak— 65-85 mph
  • EF-1: Weak— 86-110 mph
  • EF-2: Strong— 111-135 mph
  • EF-3: Strong— 136-165 mph
  • EF-4: Violent— 166-200 mph
  • EF-5: Violent— More than 200 mph

The NWS notes that this is preliminary information and subject to change pending a final review of the event.