One dead and dozens injured as the devastating tornado leaves a trail of destruction in its wake

A huge tornado has struck the city of Gaylord, Michigan, causing one death and dozens of injuries and extensive damage to buildings and property. There is a curfew throughout the night

A massive tornado has caused one death and injured dozens as it wreaks havoc in a Michigan city under curfew.

Officials have said that one person died and 43 people were injured in Gaylord, which has a population of 4,000 people.

Lt. Jim Gorno of the Michigan Department of Natural Resources called the scene “catastrophic.”

“Due to the ongoing emergency at Gaylord, residents are being asked to take shelter at the site. The City of Gaylord has imposed a 7pm curfew. It will be lifted at 8:00 a.m. tomorrow morning,” Michigan police said.

The tornado struck Gaylord around 3:45 p.m. local time on Friday afternoon and there are reports of severe damage to buildings west of the city.

Lt. Michigan Police Department’s Derrick Carroll said the tornado tore through a trailer park, flew through the city’s business district and tore down power cables.

He said there were injuries but couldn’t count how many.

Michigan Police Department tweeted: “Otsego County: Tornado has landed. MSP and local resources respond. More information will follow as it becomes available.”

Later news said: “Trees and power lines block roads. Several homes and businesses damaged. Avoid the Gaylord area. emergency teams respond.

“Heavy damage throughout the area.

“Ambulances are transporting injured people to local hospitals. There are currently no confirmed deaths.

“Lodging will be established at E-Free Church, Gaylord, 1649 E. M-32. The Red Cross will be set up in this place.”

Gaylord City Council member Vic Ouellette has told how his home collapsed in the storm and is now receiving medical treatment.

“I have a goose egg the size of a lemon on my head where the roof hit me,” Mr Ouellette said New York Times.

“I’m lucky to be alive.”

He said that he and his wife hid in the basement of the house when the building was reduced to rubble and they had to be pulled out of the rubble.

He added: “It’s like being in a snow globe. dust flies. water flies. You can’t see anything. It’s like being in a cloud.” Seen and it surprised people.

“It touched down around 3:45 a.m. and went straight through the city,” said Sean Christensen, meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer tweeted, “My heart goes out to the families and small businesses affected by the tornado and storm in Gaylord.

“To the entire Gaylord community – Michigan is with you. We’ll do whatever it takes to rebuild.

“@mspnorthernmi and other first responders are on site to help residents. We are grateful to the police officers, firefighters, EMTs, utility workers and so many others who are helping on the ground.”