Tornado Causes Death and Destruction in Gaylord
(Crystal A. Proxmire, May 21, 2022)
Gaylord, MI – Residents in the northern Michigan town of Gaylord are pulling together for survival and cleanup efforts after a tornado touched down Friday afternoon, impacting several areas of the city. As of Saturday morning, two people are reported dead and power remains out throughout the area. The destruction includes homes, businesses, vehicles, electrical infrastructure, and more.
Among those who lost their house in the tornado was Jerry Speckman. He stayed overnight in the dilapidated structure with no lights or heat, which had lost part of the roof as well as windows and doors due to the violent storm.
He told Oakland County Times that he and his family ran into the basement just before the tornado hit. He could hear the sound, like a vacuum, and the crack of boards being ripped off the house and breaking.
The whole thing lasted 10 or 15 seconds for Speckman and his family. Not only was his home destroyed, but he has two loved ones that lived in a nearby trailer park right now in critical condition at a hospital in Traverse City because of their injuries.
They lived in a nearby trailer park that had been hit particularly hard. Speckman told Oakland County Times that his son’s mobile home had flipped multiple times and that his son’s girlfriend had been pinned under a washing machine.
According to the National Weather Service, the storm had estimated peak winds of 140 mph. As of 4pm Saturday there were 44 injuries and two deaths. The tornado has been rated an EF-3. A storm survey team is gathering more information.
Governor Whitmer has declared a state of emergency, and fleets of rescue vehicles and electrical repair contractors are in the area.
Several churches are offering shelter and the American Red Cross is also providing assistance. The Otsego Community Foundation is collecting funds to help with recovery. Donate online at the Otsego Community Foundation website.
