Michigan declares first tornado emergency in state's history as twisters rip through Midwest, trapping 50 people in FedEx distribution facility

Tornadoes have torn through several Midwest states, resulting in Michigan issuing its first tornado emergency on record.

On Tuesday, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Branch, and Cass counties in a statement on X.

'My heart goes out to all those affected by tonight's severe weather in southwest Michigan. Emergency teams are on the ground and working to assist Michiganders. I encourage everyone to continue monitoring severe weather alerts and follow the advice of emergency officials,' she said in a statement on X.

She also confirmed the State Emergency Operations center was activated.

'We will continue monitoring the situation and coordinating efforts overnight.' 

Tornadoes have torn through several Midwest states, resulting in Michigan issuing its first tornado emergency on record

The roof partially collapsed as a result of the tornado

Pictured: People leave after a tornado swept through mobile home park, in Kalamazoo

It is the first time on record (going back to 1999) that the state has ever issued a tornado emergency

It is the first time on record (going back to 1999) that the state has ever issued a tornado emergency, ABC reports.

 A tornado that struck Portage, a city with a population of 50,000 in Southern Michigan, left downed powerlines, trees, and other debris in its path of destruction.

Portage Mayor Patricia Randall said first responders are still assessing the widespread damage, but 'but with so many trees and wires down, travel is slow,' per The Washington Post.

Seven structures, mostly homes, have been destroyed from a tornado that moved northeast out of St. Joseph County, Branch County Emergency Manager Tim Miner told the Detroit Free Press. He confirmed that there were no deaths or injuries/

A little over an hour later, a second tornado touched down around 7:20 pm.

A third tornado was confirmed by the National Weather service just west of Battle Creek, near Galesburg, moving northeast at 40 mph.

Up until 9 p.m., a severe thunderstorm warning that includes quarter-sized hail and wind gusts up to 60 mph is in place for portions of Calhoun County.

Portage Mayor Patricia Randall 'with so many trees and wires down, travel is slow,' per The Washington Post.

No casualties have been confirmed regarding the incident at the FedEx facility

Pictured: Footage of a large tornado crossing U.S. Route 31 near Kalamazoo, MI

Close to 20,000 people are without power, according to PowerOutage.us. 

About 50 people became trapped inside a FedEx distribution facility. Downed powerlines in the area delayed first responders from beginning their rescue mission.

The roof partially collapsed as a result of the tornado, reported mlive.com. All employees have been accounted for, according to the City of Portage.

FedEx issued a statement regarding the current situation.

'Our thoughts are with those affected by the tornado in Portage, Michigan, and we are grateful there were no serious injuries resulting from the damage to our facility at 6701 Portage Road,' company spokeswoman Shannon Davis said. 

Portage Mayor Patricia Randall said first responders are still assessing the widespread damage (Pictured: Tornado damage in Kalamazoo, MI)

'We continue to assess the damage, and we are implementing contingency plans to lessen any potential impacts on service.' 

A mobile home park, Pavillion Estates was also suffered mass destruction, leaving at least 16 injured, 17 residences destroyed, and 173 other structures damaged by thee tornado.

The destruction in Michigan comes just a day after at least 15 tornadoes moved through the southern Plains. Officials confirmed one dead after a tornado that was two miles wide came through Barnsdall, Oklahoma.

In the storm zone, which stretches from Chicago to Nashville, Tennessee, are over 35 million Americans.

Parts of Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Kentucky were under a tornado watch through Tuesday night. 

There could be a few tornadoes, severe gusts of up to 70 mph, and hail the size of baseballs.