KALAMAZOO, Mich. (NEWSCHANNEL 3) - The powerful winds are causing not only major power outages, but major property damage on Wednesday.
Newschannel 3's Alex Jokich has been scoping out the worst of it in Kalamazoo County to see how wicked damage done by the winds.
The wind snapped massive trees in half, one crushing a man's garage and just narrowly missing his sports car.
The damage done by the wind pretty widespread on Wednesday. The wind uprooted huge trees and many came crashing down on multiple homes in Kalamazoo County.
A man in Galesburg had a tree crush his home and his car.
The downed trees and powerlines caused a big hassle for drivers and many roads were blocked, causing detours and delays throughout the day.
Gusty winds ripped off business signs, like the one at the Kalamazoo Inn, which was hanging in a state of disarray.
Many people across the state are left with a big mess to clean up.
Doug Annis, the man whose garage was destroyed, said he's just happy the winds were blowing in the right direction.
Annis said, "I thought one day if that tree ever falls hopefully it falls that way instead of on the house and so it fell that way!"
He says he is relieved it's just his garage and his house was spared in this whole mess.
"I actually do feel lucky that I wasn't hurt or anything it's just one of those things you don't want it to happen but I'm hoping I'm going to get a new garage out of this!"
Unfortunately, not everyone was so lucky and many people will be making claims to the insurance companies to help pay to repair the damage to their property.
The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services has some tips when dealing with your insurance company.
If you plan to make a claim, contact your insurance agent as soon as possible and keep a record of who you talk to and when you talk to them.
Make temporary repairs to prevent further damage, like covering up holes with tarps.
Take pictures of the damage is possible.Make a list of everything that was damaged and be sure to ask your insurance provider about what is covered in your plan
