Across Kent and Ionia Counties cleanup continues one week after a powerful storm produced an EF1 tornado travelling nearly nine miles across northern Kent County. The tornado produced wind speeds of 86-110 mph with storm gusts across the region topping 75 mph creating widespread damage to homes and businesses, toppling trees and knocking out power.
Kent County’s Emergency Management Division estimates total damage to roughly 200 homes and businesses exceeds $4.3 million. That number continues to climb.
County employees have been involved in the cleanup efforts above and beyond their normal shifts. Local governments impacted by the storms along with county services providing aid and cleanup, including the county road commission, have been stretched.
Matt Groesser is Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator, he tells us the damage totals don’t meet a federal emergency declaration, but it may meet what’s known as Michigan “section 19” funding. A state contingency fund created for reimbursing local governments costs associated with response and recovery.
The states of emergency are in effect through September 4th.
