An EF3 tornado killed two people and injured 44 others after touching down in Gaylord, Michigan, Friday.
It touched down around 3:45 p.m. and flipped vehicles, tore roofs from buildings and downed trees and power lines.
Video posted online showed a dark funnel cloud materialize out of a cloud as nervous drivers looked on or slowly drove away, uncertain of its path.
Other video showed extensive damage along the city’s Main Street. One building appeared to be largely collapsed and a Goodwill store was badly damaged. A collapsed utility pole lay on the side of the road, and debris, including what appeared to be electrical wires and parts of a Marathon gas station, was scattered all along the street.
Michigan State Police said there were numerous reports of gas leaks and power outages throughout the city.
MDOT and others discouraged visitors over the weekend. The freeway exits to Gaylord were closed to keep people from entering the area.
Gaylord is home to about 4,200 people. It is located roughly 230 miles northwest of Detroit and considered the gateway to northern Michigan.