Alek Haak-Frost Local, News

Tornado touches down in St. Joseph County, injuring at least two

Lori Higgins captured this photograph of the tornado touching down Tuesday on Prairie Corners Road, just south of Mendon. (Courtesy of Lori Higgins)

Local state of emergency declared

At least two people sustained injuries in St. Joseph County after a tornado touched down in the area on Tuesday, May 7. The National Weather Service is expected to be in St. Joseph County in the coming days to determine the specifics of the tornado activity.

Significant damage has been reported in the central, north central, and northeastern sections of the county, with numerous homes and businesses affected by Tuesday’s storm.

St. Joseph County Commission Chairperson Ken Malone has declared a local state of emergency. Local resources are being utilized to respond to the tornado damage.

Residents are encouraged to report any tornado damage they experience, and can do so here.

Anyone running a generator due to power loss is reminded to run it outdoors in a well-ventilated area, and never in a garage, basement, or other indoor location.

Alek Haak-Frost is the executive editor and publisher of Watershed Voice.