News

Storm was a rare micro downburst, weather service says; witnesses saw funnel clouds

April 13, 2014
Storm was a rare micro downburst, weather service says; witnesses saw funnel clouds

Vandenheuvel By Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. SUMMIT TWP. — Saturday night’s destruction was caused by a rare micro downburst, according to the National Weather Service. However, some eyewitnesses claim they saw what looked like funnel clouds moments before the heavy winds hit southwestern Mason County. Sally Weisner looked out her window Saturday night around 8:15 p.m. and saw what she described…

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List of roads closed or impassable

April 13, 2014

The following Mason County roads are currently closed or impassable due to Saturday night’s storm: Closed due to water issues: Schoener Road between Dewey and Millerton roads, Sherman Twp. Fisher Road east of Jebavy Drive, Hamlin Twp. Darr Road between Hawley and Meisenheimer roads, Riverton Twp. Major Road between Tuttle and Custer roads, Eden Twp. Closed due to wash out:…

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Emergency crews monitoring storm

April 13, 2014
Emergency crews monitoring storm

  Story and photo by Rob Alway. Editor-in-Chief. RIVERTON TWP. — Lightning zaps across the early morning sky, lighting up a couple wind turbines, on Hawley Road. Saturday night’s storm caused severe damage in southern Mason County and a large portion of Oceana County. Over 1,000 Consumers Energy customers were without power in southern Mason County after strong winds whipped…

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Damage in southern Mason County

April 13, 2014
Damage in southern Mason County

The above map shows where the majority of Saturday night’s storm hit. Unofficial reports have indicated that wind gusts of 70 mph came through the area around 8:15 p.m. Major tree and electric wire damage was reported in the Bass Lake area. The red dots show where damage was reported. As of 1 a.m. the following roads were closed: –…

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Strong winds hit south county

April 12, 2014
Strong winds hit south county

RIVERTON TWP. — Straight line winds or tornado? Either way, strong winds caused severe damage in a path through Riverton Township around 8:30 p.m. A path north to south between Stiles Road and Lakeshore Drive appears to have been impacted. Riverton Fire Chief Joe Cooper said he was at his house on Morton Road south of Hawley Road when he…

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