On May 20, 2022, a powerful EF3 tornado struck the city of Gaylord, Michigan, leaving behind a trail of destruction that forever changed the community. With estimated peak winds reaching 150 mph, the tornado remained on the ground for an intense 22 minutes, carving a path of devastation over 16 miles. It tore through neighborhoods, flipped vehicles, flattened buildings, and tragically claimed the lives of two individuals.
Mobile home parks were among the hardest hit, where the strength of the tornado revealed the vulnerability of structures not built to withstand such force. Cars were tossed like toys, debris was strewn across roads and fields, and power lines were left tangled and broken. In just under half an hour, the town of Gaylord went from a peaceful Northern Michigan community to a disaster zone.
The Michigan State Police Seventh District responded with urgency and resolve. Troopers, first responders, and local emergency teams worked tirelessly to search for survivors, aid the injured, and restore some sense of order amid the chaos. The days that followed saw a massive cleanup effort, the arrival of aid from across the state, and the unwavering spirit of a community determined to rebuild.
Now, three years later, the scars left by that storm still remain—not just in the landscape, but in the memories of those who lived through it. Homes have been rebuilt, roads repaved, and trees replanted. But more importantly, a deeper sense of community and resilience has taken root.
For the Michigan State Police, May 20 is not just a date—it is a solemn reminder of the fragility of life and the strength found in unity. Our troopers will never forget that day. We remember the lives lost, honor those who stepped up in the face of crisis, and continue to stand beside the people of Gaylord and Northern Michigan.
Together, we rise. Together, we rebuild. And together, we stand unshaken.
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