On the evening of May 7, 2024, a high-end EF‑2 tornado, packing winds up to 135 mph, carved an 11-mile path through Portage and portions of adjacent townships in Kalamazoo County, Michigan as part of a larger West Michigan severe weather outbreak. Large hail of up to 4 inches in diameter also fell.
The tornado devastated neighborhoods, a mobile home park, and several commercial zones. Over 600 homes and 100 businesses were damaged, with around 60 completely destroyed, including at least one strip mall. Thousands of mature trees were uprooted or snapped, and an estimated 48,000 trees were destroyed in total, dramatically altering the local tree canopy.
While no fatalities occurred, the storm inflicted significant structural damage to homes and businesses. Even a major FedEx facility lost part of its roof, temporarily trapping workers inside before all were safely evacuated.
How John Grace Helped Our Community Recover
Since that May storm, John Grace Restoration and Construction has worked with many Portage homeowners and business owners whose properties were impacted. Our involvement included:
- Rapid emergency response, including board‑ups, temporary roof tarping, and debris removal.
- Documenting damage and assistance navigating insurance claims, so homeowners could focus on recovery.
- Water extraction and drying, where rain or rising groundwater had entered damaged structures.
- Full content pack-out, cleaning, and restoration at our dedicated facility for items affected by the storm.
- Expert structural repairs and reconstruction, turning devastation into restored homes and businesses.
We were proud to be part of the rebuilding process as Portage marked the one‑year anniversary of the storm. Mayor Randall highlighted that aftershocks remain in the community’s memory but emphasized that “many hands” helped in recovery efforts.
What It Means to Be Prepared
The May 7th tornado in Portage, Michigan was a powerful reminder that even in smaller cities, severe storms can strike quickly and leave lasting impact. Here’s how homeowners can take action:
- Plan ahead and save emergency contacts, including restoration partners like John Grace.
- Trim and maintain trees around your property to reduce wind‑borne hazards.
- Document important possessions and consider content restoration options in advance.
- Familiarize yourself with your insurance coverage, including wind or hail limitations.
We Hold Your Hand Through the Recovery
Natural disasters don’t just damage structures. They disrupt lives. At John Grace Restoration and Construction, we believe in guiding you every step of the way, from our free inspections through emergency mitigation, contents care, and finally restoration. If your property in West or Southwest Michigan suffers storm damage, we’re here to help you rebuild stronger. Contact us today to start the process of putting your property and your life back together.
