GENESEE COUNTY (WWJ) - Michigan was struck with two rare February tornadoes during a winter severe weather outbreak overnight Tuesday into Wednesday with officials confirming twisters touched down in Mid-Michigan's Calhoun County and in Genesee County.
The Grand Blanc Police Department confirmed a tornado began wreaking havoc at approximately 1:20 a.m. on February 28 in the area of Dort and Reid in Grand Blanc Township.
Officers responded to the scene with the department adding that police could see the twister from their patrol vehicles.
"The tornado path proceeded east from there through Grand Blanc City, Indian Hill Subdivision, the Commons, Kings Pointe Subdivision, through Perry and Belsay roads and then into Atlas Township," officials said of the storm.
The department noted that multiple large tress were knocked down and the tornado damaged buildings and scattered debris along its path.
In Indian Hill and Kings Pointe subdivisions, the storm brought trees down on homes and uprooted several gas lines.
Police, along with crews from the Grand Blanc City Fire Department, all sprung into action and began evacuating residents to safety.
According to authorities, Consumers Energy came out to the area and made repairs to the leaks. Residents were then given the all clear to return home.
"While there is significant damages to houses in the area, no one was hurt," the department confirmed. "A night tornado in February is rare as well as the mild temps."
Residents are being told to stay clear of the following areas:
• Dort Hwy & Reid Road
• Dort Hwy & Grand Blanc Road (Grand Blanc Road is open )
• Dort Hwy & Gibson Road
• Reid Road & Porter Road
Meteorologist Cory Behnke with the National Weather Service's Detroit office told WWJ's Beth Fisher that a strong warm front -- unusual for this time of year -- brought a large area of thunderstorm activity to the Lower Peninsula.
One of the storms in particular continued to strengthen until it eventually shower rotation on radar over Genesee County.
"The National Weather Service office in Grand Rapids had issued a tornado warning, I believe for Calhoun County and Jackson County, preceding the storm," Behnke said. "I guess that developed and strengthened in Genesee County."
While experts have indications of a tornado on radar as well as eye witness accounts, Behnke said an official NWS storm survey crew will be out on Wednesday to examine the damage and make an official determination. (UPDATE: This was later confirmed to be an EF-2 tornado).
Behnke added that the NWS received multiple reports of smaller hail in the northern Metro Detroit area in addition to the reports out of Grand Blanc Township.
"We also heard that there was a tornado warning in Southwest Michigan over Battle Creek way," he said.
Meanwhile, according to the Calhoun County Emergency Management Division and the 911 Dispatch Center, the area of Marengo Township and a portion of Marshall Township had multiple reports of damage after a severe weather pounded the area, roughly 20 miles southeast of Battle Creek.
"Many roads are blocked with trees and powerlines. Deputies, troopers and fire personnel are working their way through the areas with the assistance of the Calhoun County Road Commissions heavy equipment," the Calhoun County Sheriff's Office said in a social media update early Wednesday morning. "They are checking homes for injuries. At this time we have no reports of injuries, but the area is still being checked."
Authorities added that emergency crews are encountering structural damage to buildings, but "the full extent is unknown at this time."
The sheriff's office warned residents to avoid the area and stay away from down powerlines.
On the heels of last night's outbreak, Behnke said an equally strong and unusual cold front will blow into Metro Detroit on Wednesday morning bringing an abrupt change in the weather.
"Winter's going to arrive here very quickly," he warned. "We're going to see temperatures just crash here throughout the day probably in the lower to mid 20s by 5 p.m."
Behnke said it is a nearly 50 degree plunge in about 24 hours from Tuesday's record-breaking 71°.
In addition, the NWS has issued a Wind Advisory in effect until 7 p.m. Wednesday for several counties, including Oakland, Wayne, Macomb, Washtenaw, Monroe and Livingston.
Several schools announced they will close on Wednesday due to the severe weather.
Grand Blanc Community Schools announced that the entire district will be closed as they deal with damage from the storms.
Holly Area Schools will also be closed today, as multiple school building are without power, including the administration building which is the hub for district phones, internet, and other services.
Skyline High School in Ann Arbor is also closed today. If power is restored by noon, officials said they will communicate about after-school activities.