This covered bridge at Tyler Creek in Bowne Township sustained damage from Monday night’s tornado. It was built in 1955. Photo from Woodtv.com.

By Judy Reed

Tornado sirens sounded here in Cedar Springs and all across Kent County Monday evening, April 10, as severe thunderstorms rolled through.

The National Weather Service in Grand Rapids confirmed that a brief EF-1 tornado formed and touched down in southeast Kent County about 8:36 p.m. and traveled about five miles into.

According to the NWS report: “Dozens of large trees were snapped or uprooted and three barns were heavily damaged. The damage began on 100th St just east of Alden Nash Ave and then continued to the east-northeast, crossing Wingeier Ave where a barn lost metal roofing. One metal section was carried 0.6 miles by the tornado and landed in a field. The tornado damage intensified as the funnel narrowed and crossed 92nd St in the vicinity of the Tyler Creek Golf Course, where a swath of trees were snapped and uprooted. Peak winds in this area were estimated at 90 mph. The tornado crossed Freeport Ave and Keim Road. It then crossed Hastings Road with peak winds estimated around 65 mph, taking down large tree limbs. The damage ended around Bell Road north of Keim Road.”

The tornado lasted about five minutes. It was the first tornado in Kent County this year. Last year there were two.

Next week (April 16-22) is Severe Weather Awareness Week, and according to Michigan’s Committee for Severe Weather Awareness, there were 16 tornadoes across Michigan in 2016. Michigan averages about 15 each year. Six of the 16 tornadoes occurred across the Upper Peninsula, a record for that peninsula. All of the tornadoes in Michigan were in the weak categories of EF0 and EF1 (tornadoes are rated from the weakest EF0 to the strongest EF5).

The August 20, 2016 tornado outbreak across southwest Lower Michigan was the most damaging and significant event across the state in 2016. Six tornadoes touched down from Bangor to Grand Rapids to Orleans, causing over $5 million in damages. The longest and strongest of the August 20 tornadoes touched down just southwest of Bangor and then tracked through the town. The 10-mile long EF-1 winds estimated up to 110 mph, caused the entire city to lose power and downed hundreds of trees. Multiple structures in Bangor were damaged, including the police department. The outbreak also produced two EF0 tornadoes in the metro Grand Rapids area. The first hit Grandville and Wyoming, and the second was in Grand Rapids. Both of these tornadoes downed trees, some onto homes.

Kent County has seen 35 tornadoes from 1950-2016, the second highest number of tornadoes in the state. Genesee leads with 45 tornadoes during that same time frame, and Kent is followed by Monroe County with 34, and Allegan with 33.

“Severe Weather Awareness Week is the time of year to learn what to do before, during and after severe weather occurs,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “That includes flooding, thunderstorms and tornadoes. By taking the initiative and learning about possible hazards, you and your family will be better prepared when an emergency or disaster happens.”

Spring and summer frequently bring fast-changing weather conditions that increase the potential for severe weather. Steps can be taken to prepare before severe weather strikes to minimize damage and ensure safe evacuation or shelter, such as understanding severe weather warnings and terms, preparing an emergency supply kit, making an emergency plan, and creating an emergency contact list.

To learn more about severe weather in Michigan and what you should do, download the Severe Weather Awareness packet at https://www.michigan.gov/documents/msp/SWApacket_554981_7.pdf.

By Judy Reed

This past Monday, April 3, was the 61^st anniversary of the worst tornado outbreak in western Michigan, which spawned the Hudsonville/Standale tornado, one of the few F5 tornadoes ever in the state. Several other tornadoes occurred that day, including an F4 and an F3.

The Hudsonville/Standale tornado traveled a 48-mile path from Vriesland (just east of Zeeland) to Trufant on April 3, 1956 in just one hour. It was as wide as four football fields at one point, according to meteorologist Bill Steffen. There were 17 deaths and 340 injuries.

It was photographed near Baldwin and 28^th in Hudsonville, from about 2 miles south. The photo shows a large tornado funnel, in contact with the ground, along with the yellow sky and greenish storm clouds that were mentioned by many eyewitnesses.

Do you remember this tornado? Please send us an email at news@cedarspringspost.com, or send us a letter to PO Box 370, Cedar Springs, MI 49319 with what you remember.

Tornadoes can develop in just 10-15 minutes. Be sure you a severe weather plan in case one develops. This photo shows an F5 Tornado approaching Elie, Manitoba on June 22, 2007. Photo by Justin1569 at en.wikipedia

Tornado siren testing the first Friday of each month

From the Kent County Sheriff Department

Last year, storms and severe weather injured seven people and left $130 million in damage across the State of Michigan. Kent County has a system of sirens meant to alert residents of high winds or tornadoes. Starting last Friday, April 1 and continuing on the first Friday of every month at 12:00 noon, through October, you should hear tornado alarm testing in your Kent County home or business. If you don’t hear the sirens at noon, please contact your local township or city office.

Be vigilant whenever severe weather is in the forecast. While no location is completely safe from a tornado or severe thunderstorm, it is important to seek all possible protection. April 10-16 is Michigan Severe Weather Awareness Week. “This is a great time to review your severe weather plan, refresh your supplies and make sure you are prepared,” said Jack Stewart, Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator. “Check your flashlight and stock up on fresh batteries. Homes should have enough fresh drinking water for three days, canned food items and a can opener, an all-weather radio, and a first aid kit.”

Plan in advance for disasters to know how you and your family will get to a safe place, how to contact each other and what to do in different situations. Determine a location where you would meet in an emergency, both near your house and further away, in case your neighborhood streets are closed. If a disaster occurs, it may be easier to make a phone call to a designated out-of-town contact, as phone lines may be overwhelmed. Make sure that person is aware that he or she is the designated contact. You should have a disaster plan for your pets as well.

Many smartphone apps can keep you notified of weather watches and warnings. Severe weather watch means the potential exists for the development of storms/tornados. You can continue your normal activities, but be mindful of changing conditions. Severe weather warning mean that storms are imminent

or occurring. Move indoors to a place of safety. If it is a Tornado Warning, take shelter in a location on the lowest level of the building, like the basement, or in a small, windowless room at the innermost part of the building.

Let us know about the sirens in your community: take our survey at http://vrm.cc/kcsirens.

To learn more about Michigan Severe Weather Awareness Week 2016 and what to do in an emergency, download the packet: Severe weather awareness.

Is it a bird? Is it a plane? A large ice cream cone falling from the sky? No—it definitely looks like a tornado above the Post. Warm windy weather brought rain, lightning, and thunder to Cedar Springs Wednesday evening, and mother nature dropped this little gem from the sky. “I can’t believe it,” said one onlooker. “The last time we saw one of those here was in the 1970s. It must be something special to bring it this far.”
The tornado did a funny little dance as it lit on the roof, then began changing colors. “It’s like a disco ball!” someone shouted, as it turned green, then red, then pink.
We’ve heard of storms dropping frogs from the sky, but what happened next, still amazes us. The tornado hovered over the front lawn and shot pink flamingoes into our yard! “We’ve never seen anything like it,” said local weatherman Ollie Williams. Ollie had predicted earlier in the day that “It’s gon’ rain.”
Once it dropped the pink flamingoes, the tornado dissipated, leaving no trace of its presence except the flamingoes. “I guess we’ve been flocked!” said publisher Lois Allen.
We hope to have it cleaned up by April Fools Day!

The Swan Inn was demolished in the April 11, 1965 Palm Sunday tornado. The building was at the intersection of Alpine Avenue and 6 Mile Road. One of the guests was fatally injured. Photo credit: Walter L. Nelson, via The National Weather Service.

We don’t see a lot of tornadoes in our area, but they do happen in Michigan. It was on Palm Sunday, 50 years ago this Saturday, April 11, 1965, that 47 tornadoes broke out in several Midwest states—including here in Kent County—killing and injuring hundreds of people.

That F4 tornado traveled over 20 miles north of Grand Rapids and caused five deaths and injured almost 150 people. Thirty-four homes were destroyed and nearly 200 others damaged near the northern suburbs of Comstock Park and Alpine. Damage amounts were estimated at almost $15 million. And it didn’t stop in Comstock Park—the storm tracked west of Rockford and up to the Cedar Springs area.

This photo shows the path of the 1965 Palm Sunday Tornado, from Allendale to Cedar Springs. Photo from the National Weather Service.

Many areas where the Palm Sunday storm tracked were fields and farmland, but now are more densely populated. If we had a storm of that magnitude again, would you be ready?

April 12-18 is Michigan Severe Weather Awareness Week. Last year, there were 13 tornadoes across the state of Michigan. The most damaging was an EF1 tornado in Kent County in July. The tornado started near 60th and Clyde Park SW, moving northeast through Kentwood, and ending near 44th and Kalamazoo SE. The twister traveled 6 miles, damaging homes and causing six injuries in its path. Michigan had 13 tornadoes (just short of the annual average of 15) and fortunately, no one was killed in these storms. Other severe weather incidents in the state caused one death, 13 injuries, and the most damaging severe weather season in Michigan’s history, due to flooding in Wayne, Oakland and Macomb Counties. Be vigilant whenever severe weather is in the forecast.

This year, as we enter Michigan Severe Weather Awareness Week, it’s a great time to refresh your supplies and make sure you are prepared. Make sure you have a flashlight, fresh batteries, enough water for three days, canned food items and a can opener, an all-weather radio, and a first aid kit. You should also remember the difference between a watch and a warning:

WATCH: The potential exists for the development of storms/tornados. You can continue your normal activities, but be mindful of changing conditions.

WARNING: Severe storms are imminent or occurring. Move indoors to a place of safety. If it is a Tornado Warning, take shelter in a basement or the inner-most closet of your home.

“While no location is completely safe from a tornado or severe thunderstorm, it is important to seek all possible protection,” said Jack Stewart, Kent County Emergency Management Coordinator. “Make sure you and your family take cover in a location on the lowest level of the building, like the basement, or in a small, windowless room at the innermost part of the building. Protect yourself by covering your body with items such as a coat or blanket.”  In the event of a tornado, kneel down and bend into a ball-like position, using your arms to cover your head and neck. If flooding occurs, move to higher grounds and evacuate quickly if told to do so.

Plan in advance for disasters to know how you and your family will get to a safe place, how to contact each other and what to do in different situations. Determine a location where you would meet in an emergency, both near your house and further away, in case your neighborhood streets are closed. If a disaster occurs, it may be easier to make a long-distance phone call to a designated out-of-town contact, as phone lines may be overwhelmed. Make sure that person is aware that he or she is the designated contact. You should also have a disaster plan for your pets as well.

Check out our Severe Weather Awareness packet here – Severe Weather awareness week.pdf 

The National Weather office in Grand Rapids needs your help. April 11, 2015 will mark the 50th anniversary of the 1965 Palm Sunday Tornado Outbreak and they  are looking for photos, home movies and eyewitness accounts of the tornadoes to be documented as part of their commemoration event. They are especially interested in details on the tornado that struck from near Marne to Comstock Park on that day. If you have firsthand accounts of the tornadoes or film of the event, please contact them at w-grr.webmaster@noaa.gov. You can also leave a phone message with your contact info at 616-949-0643 extension 356.

Photo from WOODTV.com

By Judy Reed

Photo from WOODTV.com

The National Weather Service confirmed Monday that the damage done just south of Grand Rapids during thunderstorms on Sunday evening, July 6, was due to a tornado.

Calls began pouring into Kent County’s 911 dispatch about 10:30 p.m. reporting roofs caved in, power lines and trees down, and people trapped in homes and vehicles.

The tornado reportedly developed near 64th Street and Burlingame in Byron Center about 10:20 p.m, and traveled 6.25 miles, through Wyoming and Kentwood, ending at 28th Street and Breton. It was on the ground for about 10 minutes and produced significant damage. The NWS rated the tornado an EF-1, with maximum wind speeds from 100-110 mph. Its width was 300 to 400 yards wide. There were six injuries, and no fatalities. It was the first EF-1 in Kent County since 2001, and the first tornado since 2006, when an EF-0 hit Caledonia.

Daniel Cobb, meteorologist with the National Weather Service, said it was definitely a tornado, and not straight-line winds, explaining during a news conference that the debris they surveyed had the classic signature of a tornado.

People have questioned why there was no warning with the tornado. Cobb explained that the tornado developed near the ground and grew upward. And, because of the time delay between radar scans, they didn’t realize it was there until they picked up the debris on radar that lifted in Kentwood. It was already lifting back up moments later, too late for a warning.

“They always want to get it right, and it kills them if it doesn’t play out right,” he explained. “If they warned on every scan that looked like a possible tornado, they would be warning all the time. We prefer to wait for two scans. We are trying to say with severe thunderstorms that a tornado is possible, and warn on the big tornadoes.”

“We are very successful at detecting big tornadoes that blow your house down,” he noted.

He also noted that these smaller tornadoes are not rare, but not frequent either. Here it just happened in a populated area. “You have to respect Mother Nature. Always be inside during a storm,” he urged.

On Wednesday, July 9, the NWS also confirmed another tornado that spawned from the storms that moved through Sunday evening and Monday morning, July 6-7. This one was an EF-0 in Ionia County, and developed about 12:16 a.m., July 7, just a couple of hours after the one near Grand Rapids. It started just east of Sunfield Highway, and south of Reeder Road. It went about one mile, ending just west of South Keefer highway, north of Reeder Road. It lasted about 4 minutes. One home lost roofing material and five farm buildings were damaged along Reeder Road. Tree and crop damage also occurred along the path of the tornado.

Mary Lou Fuller, of Solon Township, sent us photos of a double rainbow that appeared after Sunday’s storm behind Cedar Springs Middle School.

The Michigan State Police are reminding people to use caution as clean-up efforts are underway following the fast-moving storm that traveled through the region Sunday leaving power outages, fallen trees and wind damage.

Damage was lighter in our area than in the southern part of the state, although many homes here suffered power outages.

Damage assessments are still being completed, but two fatalities and one serious injury have been confirmed in the state. Of those incidents, a 21-year-old Jackson County man was killed when a tree fell on his car; a 59-year-old Shiawassee County man was killed when he was electrocuted; and a 14-year-old Wayne County boy is in critical condition after being electrocuted.

The National Weather Service has confirmed EF-0 tornadoes in Cass, Otsego and Ingham counties, as well as one that touched down in several locations from Muskegon to Newaygo counties. EF-0 tornadoes are capable of producing winds from 65 to 85 mph.

As of 1:30 p.m. yesterday, more than 235,000 homes were still without power statewide. Personnel from the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) continue to monitor weather conditions and remain in contact with local emergency management personnel to provide assistance as needed.

Clare Armstrong, of Sand Lake, sent us this photo of a swingset blown across her yard.

“During Sunday’s storm, many communities across the state experienced some degree of property damage, downed trees and power outages,” said Capt. Chris A. Kelenske, Deputy State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security and commander of the MSP/EMHSD. “The protection of public health and safety is our primary concern.”

As cleanup continues, it is important for citizens to be aware of the dangers they may face in the aftermath of the storm.  Below are some general safety precautions:

·         Do not touch downed power lines or objects in contact with downed lines. Report electrical hazards to the police and the utility company.

• Use battery-powered lanterns, if possible, rather than candles to light homes without electrical power. If you use candles, make sure they are in safe holders away from curtains, paper, wood or other flammable items. Never leave a candle burning when you are out of the room.

• Avoid actions that can result in dangerous levels of carbon monoxide:

Do not use a grill indoors.

Do not use an unvented gas or kerosene heater.

Do not use a generator in the house or garage.

Do not use an oven or stove to heat your home.

• Use extreme caution when driving. If traffic signals are out, treat each signal as a stop sign. Come to a complete stop at every intersection and look before you proceed.

• Avoid standing water, flooded roadways and flooded riverbanks. Remember: “Turn around, don’t drown.”

• Be careful when entering any structure that has been damaged.

• Wear sturdy shoes or boots, long sleeves and gloves when handling or walking on or near debris. Be aware of hazards from exposed nails and broken glass.

Anyone needing assistance should contact their local emergency management agency or call 2-1-1.

Personnel with the MSP/EMHSD will continue to monitor the situation and take prudent action should conditions warrant.

“Michigan’s No. 1 threat is severe weather and these storms serve as a reminder of the importance of being prepared, especially as winter approaches,” Kelenske said. “A prepared Michigan is a resilient Michigan, which includes having an emergency plan and basic supply kit in every household.”

For more preparedness tips about what to do before, during and after a storm or power outage, visit www.michigan.gov/beprepared or www.twitter.com/MichEMHS.

Pastor Jim Howard

First Baptist Church

46 years ago, a tornado passed through our family farm.  I remember details that seem so vivid in my memory.  At the time I was only 8 and for me, this storm wasn’t something that I feared, but rather something that was very exciting.  Lots of rain, hail and wind.  I recall being hustled down into the basement and my grandmother opening a lot of windows in the house.  The thinking back then was that you opened the windows to relieve the pressure & lessen the potential damage.

The actual storm passed quite quickly and I remember the sun coming out almost immediately afterward.  We all went upstairs and outside.  The damage was relatively light with trees uprooted and farm equipment overturned.  The buildings were relatively unscathed.  The tornado only grazed us!

The events of late in Oklahoma remind us of how dangerous tornadoes can be!  Our hearts go out to those victimized by the storm and those who are dealing with the loss of loved ones.  Horatio Spafford penned the words to the song “It Is Well with My Soul” which expressed his heart and hope after the loss of his children in a shipwreck at sea. “When peace like a river attendeth my way, When sorrows like sea billows roll; Whatever my lot, Thou has taught me to say, ‘It is well, it is well with my soul.’”  I’ve often wondered how he could express such a perspective in the midst of extreme grief.

When faith in Christ is a way of life, we find that the peace of God is most certainly unexplainable (Philippians 4:7),  This does not mean that we do not hurt or grieve or feel a sense of profound loss.  It does mean that through the midst of the traumas and tribulations, that we have an incredible sense that we are not alone (Heb. 13:5), and that God will take care of our needs (Philippians 4:19).  Life will be full of storms that at times threaten to swamp our boat and overwhelm us.  As we go through those storms, remember that God has promised to see us through them.  If the storm results in our death, we have the confidence of knowing that our next breath will be heavenly! (2 Corinthians 5:8)

I remember that after the tornado had passed through our farm, we went outside into warm sunshine and clearing skies.  The air was incredibly fresh and calm.  It would take us many weeks to clean up after that storm.  The appearance of the farm changed, just as life changed, but life moved on.  When the storms of life prevail, they will pass!  We will endure and persevere!

How could Spafford express such words in his song?  Because of an eternal hope!  “And, Lord, haste the day when the faith shall be sight, the clouds be rolled back as a scroll, The trump shall resound and the Lord shall descend, ‘Even so’ – it is well with my soul.”

Pastor Dick Nichols

Cedar Creek Community Church

2969 14 Mile Road, Sparta

You can be sure that at least once in everyone’s life, something so difficult and painful will happen that we will ask “God … why?” So many things in life seem unexplainable; why does a tornado destroy one house and leave another untouched? Why does one brother prosper while another struggles all of his life? Why did the tumor come back when the doctor said he thought he got it all? We all have these types of questions in this life; the list is endless.

Sometimes we encounter circumstances, events and situations that make it seem like the entire world is collapsing around us. Things make no sense at all. And, if there is a purpose behind it, we can’t see it. So, we will turn to the Bible for comfort and read scripture like “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28, New International Version).

Before my wife and I accepted Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, there were some painful and difficult events in our family, and we heard this verse quoted to us more than once from well-meaning friends, and we didn’t find any consolation in it. Now that Jesus is our Lord, we have an understanding that we couldn’t have before.

Do all things work together for good? My answer to this question is now an emphatic YES! But there still remains the inevitable question “are all things good?” that can only be answered emphatically NO! The difference is that we know now that the Lord can turn harrowing circumstances around and literally cause everything to work together for good. It’s tough for many of us to grab hold of the idea that God doesn’t let anything go to waste in our lives. He has a purpose and a reason for everything that happens in the lives of his followers and will even use the bad and difficult things to produce good on our behalf.

I do not have to tell you that Romans 8:28 is one of the most beloved verses in the Bible. But there are times when this verse is misused and is thrown at those suffering, as if it could answer every question in life. That is the opposite of what Paul the apostle intended. Some people think that after a tragedy, God will show up and make everything come out o.k. Then, when life’s wrinkles don’t get ironed out, they wonder “where was God when…?”

That is not the biblical view at all. In reality we know now that God is there at the beginning, and God is there at the end, and he is there at every point in between. Simply put, this scripture lets Christians know that God was there before it all happened and he is still there when it is over, and that his plan is to serve a higher purpose and bring about good results.

The Bible never asks us to pretend that tragedy isn’t tragedy, or to pretend that our pain isn’t real. The point is, we must see the active involvement of God in our circumstances. Paul taught, in Romans 5:3-4, that a believer’s faith and character must be refined, purified and tempered in order to grow and reach greater levels of maturity for God so he can make us into what he wants us to be, to do what he has called us to do.

The Lord allows assorted troubles, trials, and temptations to test our faith and spiritual character so that we can grow closer to our Lord. You will never face any trial that you and Jesus cannot overcome. This does not mean that we will evade such trouble; it means that with him, we will be able to bear them.

Scripture does not say that whatever happens is good, or that suffering and evil and tragedy are good, or that we will be able to understand why God allows what he allows in our lives. Instead, God puts a sign over us that reads: “Patience, God is at work.” As in any construction project, don’t judge the end by the beginning.

Last week the Post ran a photo of the rainbow that splashed across the sky while we were under a tornado warning April 26. But the photo that D.M. White brought in this week shows the rainbow in much more vivid color. The photo was taken on Pine Lake Road, in Courtland Township, by D.M.’s neighbor, Rich Ruugi. Thanks, D.M. and Rich!

Post photo by J. Reed

Severe storms with heavy rain, wind, lightning, hail and funnel clouds raced across West Michigan Tuesday, leaving some damage and rising water in its wake.
Tornado sirens went off here in Cedar Springs and all across Kent County, when clouds with rotation were spotted southeast of here, heading in a line from Grattan to Greenville. Pea and marble-sized hail was seen in isolated spots across our area, and even bigger south of Grand Rapids.
In the midst of the storm, a rainbow appeared to the east of Cedar Springs, which we managed to capture on camera, despite the rain.