WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
A National Weather Service track map showed peak winds reached 130 miles per hour last month in St. Joseph County.
St. Joseph County Emergency Services Director Erin Goff and St. Joseph County United Way Executive Director Kelly Hostetler last week provided county commissioners a summary of the May 7 tornadoes that struck St. Joseph and Branch counties.
Goff said data confirmed the tornado followed a path of nearly 20 miles in all – nearly 14 miles in St. Joseph County and six miles in Branch County. The widest point of its path was 950 yards, Goff said.
She said two people were injured and a third was provided assistance because he was unable to make it home for health-related treatment.
Goff said Gov. Whitmer on June 6 requested a presidential-disaster declaration on behalf of St. Joseph County. As of Tuesday, Goff said Whitmer is awaiting a response. If a presidential-disaster declaration is made, doors could open for individual assistance.
Damage was most extensive in Nottawa, Colon and Leonidas townships.
Goff said anyone still in need of assistance should contact Hostetler at the St. Joseph County United Way, 467-9099. The Red Cross also has aid available. Its number is 1-800-RED-CROSS.
