Portage tornado: How meteorologists and journalists respond to damage reports

Portage city manager reflects on Portage tornadoes, revamps emergency management plan

Sirens rang out across Portage during last May's tornados, and so did City Manager Patrick McGinnis's cell phone with advice from other city managers.

Portage tornado: How meteorologists and journalists respond to damage reports

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — In the days and hours leading up to the Portage tornado, meteorologists at the National Weather Service were prepared for the worst. "We typically already have our staffing in place. We know that the threat is there, and we've already determined who's going to be doing what," NWS meteorologist T.J. Turnage said. The night of May 7, 2024, Turnage found himself a part of the warning team, which spends the night studyin…