The March 14, 2025 Tornado, As It Happened...

1. Witnessing the Formation of the Tornado

Jack Thompson, a farmer from a small settlement on the outskirts of the county, was one of those who witnessed the birth of the tornado with his own eyes. He recalls:

"I was out in the field when I noticed the sky darkening rapidly. The clouds were gathering too quickly, and there was an odd heaviness in the air. At first, I thought it was just a thunderstorm, but then I saw this strange funnel forming over the horizon. It looked like a long tail slowly descending toward the ground. I’d never seen anything like it before. At some point, the tail connected with the earth, and everything around me started spinning. It was terrifyingly beautiful, but I immediately knew I had to run."

Jack managed to get back to his house and take shelter in the basement with his family. According to him, the noise of the tornado sounded like the roar of a massive train. The wind ripped trees out of the ground as if they were straws.

Another resident, Sarah Collins, described her experience watching the tornado form while she was driving home from work:

"I was about five miles away from my house when I saw this massive swirling column of air touching down near the woods. It was surreal—like something out of a disaster movie. I called 911 right away and reported what I saw. Then I pulled over to the side of the road because the winds were picking up so fast. My car shook violently, and debris started flying everywhere. I was scared for my life, but thankfully, I made it through."

2. Warnings and Actions During the Storm

When the tornado began to form, meteorologists issued warnings to residents across the county. However, not everyone took these alerts seriously at first. Maria Lopez, an elementary school teacher, shared her story:

"We received the emergency alert on the radio and our phones. I immediately called my mom, who lives in a nearby town, and told her to go to the basement. She hesitated at first, saying it was probably just a regular storm, but I insisted. Later, we found out that her roof had been completely torn off. If she hadn’t listened to me, things could have been much worse."

The actions of residents during the storm varied widely. Some, like Jack Thompson, headed straight for safe locations, while others tried to protect their homes or even filmed the event. Those caught in open areas faced particularly challenging situations. Jim Holt, a local businessman, recounted his harrowing escape:

"I was driving when I saw the tornado heading straight for me. I realized I couldn’t outrun it, so I pulled over to the side of the road and lay down on the backseat. The car shook so violently that I thought it would flip over. When it was finally over, the area was covered in debris, and my car was caked in mud and branches. But I survived, and that’s what matters."

Another survivor, Emily Carter, spoke about her decision to seek shelter in a neighbor’s storm cellar:

"Our house didn’t have a basement, so when the sirens went off, my husband and I ran to our neighbor’s place. We huddled together in their cellar with four other families. It was cramped and scary, but we knew it was the safest option. Afterward, we saw that our house had been flattened. That storm cellar saved our lives."

3. Aftermath and Lessons Learned

The tornado in Newaygo County served as a stark reminder of the importance of heeding meteorological warnings and preparing for emergencies in advance. While many homes were destroyed, no lives were lost thanks to timely actions and community support.

Eyewitness accounts highlight how crucial it is to stay calm and act decisively during such events. Now, residents of Newaygo County are rebuilding their homes and lives, but the lessons learned from that day will stay with them forever.

Safety Tips: What to Do During a Tornado

If you live in an area prone to tornadoes, it’s vital to know how to respond when one strikes. Here are some key safety guidelines:

• Before a Tornado
• Stay Informed: Keep a battery-powered NOAA weather radio handy and sign up for local emergency alerts.
• Create a Plan: Discuss with your family where to take shelter in case of a tornado. Basements, storm cellars, or interior rooms without windows are the safest options.
• Prepare an Emergency Kit: Include essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, and a first aid kit.

During a Tornado

• Seek Shelter Immediately: Go to the lowest level of your home, preferably a basement or storm cellar. If neither is available, choose a small, windowless interior room like a closet or bathroom.
• Protect Yourself: Cover yourself with a mattress, blankets, or heavy furniture to shield against flying debris.
• Avoid Vehicles and Mobile Homes: These structures offer little protection during a tornado. If you’re in a vehicle and cannot safely reach shelter, leave the car and lie flat in a ditch or low-lying area, covering your head.

After a Tornado

• Stay Alert: Continue listening to emergency broadcasts for updates and instructions.
• Check for Injuries: Provide first aid if necessary and call for help if anyone is seriously injured.
• Avoid Damaged Areas: Stay clear of downed power lines, broken gas lines, and other hazards.

Conclusion

The tornado that struck Newaygo County left a lasting impact on its residents. Stories of survival underscore the resilience and solidarity of communities in the face of nature’s fury. While the physical scars may take time to heal, the experiences gained from this disaster will undoubtedly prepare residents better for future challenges.

Nature can be merciless, but human determination and preparedness can make all the difference. By staying informed and following safety protocols, we can minimize risks and protect ourselves and our loved ones during extreme weather events.

In the end, it’s not just about surviving the storm—it’s about learning from it.