HOLLAND, MI (WHTC) – A tornado warning was issued for the Lakeshore on Saturday afternoon.
Forecasts ahead of Saturday showed the potential for severe storms as a cold front was to move through the area, breaking an extended period of warm, humid weather. The first warning sounded around 1:47 PM for Allegan County, after a funnel cloud was reported near Bangor, and it extended into Ottawa County about a half hour later, lasting until nearly 3 PM.
There were reports of downed branches and power lines, with several thousand customers of Consumers Energy reporting a loss of power in areas east of Zeeland to Byron Center, and northeast towards Grandville, along the track of the heaviest winds in this storm. There were no initial reports of injuries.
The storm’s path apparently started around 34th Avenue near 60½ Street in Bangor and tracked northeast into Allegan and Ottawa counties. Damage was reported in several areas along the storm’s path, and a shelter at the First Congregational Church in Grand Junction was opened for those displaced by the elements.
The weather compelled organizers of the Dog Days of Summer Event at the Grand Ravines Dog Park north of Jenison to cancel the scheduled Saturday activities. “We will reschedule in September, with a date to be determined,” is what Ottawa County Parks officials emailed to the media.
