Kentwood/Wyoming Tornado leads to Community Support

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Homes on Avrill SW in Wyoming were hit hard. Photo by Janice Limbaugh

On Sunday, July 6, 2014 at 10:30p.m., residents of Kentwood and Wyoming faced up to 100 miles per hour winds in what is being referred to as a EF-1  tornado.  People woke up to huge trees through their homes, downed power lines, demolished vehicles, and flooding throughout their neighborhoods.  Numerous injuries have been reported due to the weather damage.

 

According to Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley’s office the storm path was from 60th & Division northeast to 44th & Kalamazoo.  The tornado started in the City of Wyoming on Clay between 60th and 54th.

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Zeeland Truss and Components on Clay sustained major damage from the tornado.

 

This morning a Kentwood firefighter said, ” I counted 20 places that lost their roofs and a bunch of collapses as a result of the tornado ripping through the area.”

 

The City of Wyoming’s Facebook page states-“We appreciate the support of firefighters from Georgetown Township, Jamestown Township and Grandville, who joined Wyoming Public Safety officers last night going door-to-door to check on residents. There are still numerous live power lines down in this area, and we caution all residents to use caution and stay away from any downed power lines. Do not attempt to move any downed wire.  Consumers Power is working to clear the area now. They can be reached to report a downed power line at 1-800-477-5050.  

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Before the tornado, Ideal Park was home to many mature hard wood trees. One resident said, “The scars will be noticeable for years to come.” Photo by Janice Limbaugh
Playground areas within Ideal Park are covered and damaged by fallen trees.
Playground areas within Ideal Park are covered and damaged by fallen trees.

 

Additionally, Ideal Park, which is located in this area, sustained damage and is closed today. 

 

Once Consumers Power has given us the all clear, the City will send crews out to begin cleaning up the storm damage and clearing streets and other public right of ways.

 

The Salvation Army and Red Cross are working to set up emergency shelters. While we don’t have locations yet, we will share that as soon as we are able. For updates, please check back on City of Wyoming Facebook page or follow us on Twitter (WyomingCityHall).

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Salvation Army and the Red Cross set up a food and refreshment tent in the neighborhood of Avrill and 56th. Photo by Janice Limbaugh

 

Right now the Salvation Army truck is on the corner of 56th and Averill street offering refreshments to people in need.

 

Kentwood Parks & Recreation on 48th Street opened at 1:00a.m. last night. The City of Kentwood and The American Red Cross are offering assistance to residents.   They opened a shelter at Kentwood Community Center for those without power or otherwise displaced from their homes. More than 60 people took refuge at the center, sources told WKTV’s Citizen Journalism program.  It is estimated that power will not be restored for days.

 

The Mayor’s office advised neighbors to check on neighbors and not to drive in damaged areas.   Today, from 2:00p.m.-10:00p.m. Kentwood residents can bring tree limbs and yard debris to Kellogwoods Park.  Residents should come into the park via 52nd St/Kelloggwoods Drive.

 

This is probably the most significant tornado since April 21,1967 when a classified F-3 tornado hit in Wyoming/Grand Rapids.  65 buildings were destroyed, and 60 others were badly damaged. 375 buildings sustained minor damage. A church and a K-Mart store were completely destroyed.

An employee of The Well Mannered Dog Center had her car totaled (foreground) while she was inside with the dogs being boarded there. None of the 60 dogs were injured in the storm.
An employee of The Well Mannered Dog Center had her car totaled (foreground) while she was inside with the dogs being boarded there. None of the 60 dogs were injured in the storm. Photo by Janice Limbaugh
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Kentwood home sustained damage from downed trees.

 

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Deck split by uprooted tree in Kentwood.

 

Photos Courtesy:  Janice Limbaugh and Tom Norton

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