GAYLORD, MI — A "large and extremely dangerous" tornado reportedly leveled multiple buildings Friday in and around Gaylord, Michigan, according to reports.
"Otsego County: Tornado touched down. MSP and local resources responding," Michigan State Police tweeted around 4:15 p.m.
The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado touched down around 4 p.m. and was moving northeast around 50 mph, MLive.com reported. .
Videos posted on social media showed a large gray funnel touching down in the area. Multiple structures appeared to sustain major damage, and large trees were downed.
In one video, a large pile of splintered wood and debris was seen on top of a car. Roofs were stripped from buildings, and large cinder blocks and pieces of mangled metal lay strewn across a parking lot and grassy area.
A separate photo showed the roof was ripped off a strip mall and a car flipped onto its roof. A wall of a Jimmy John's restaurant was partially torn from the building.
Another photo showed multiple campers toppled and lying on their side.
State police said trees and power lines were blocking roadways in the area.
"Multiple homes and businesses damaged. Avoid the Gaylord area. Emergency crews are responding."
The weather service asked that residents send them damage reports, pictures and videos.
The weather service said thunderstorms were expected across all of northern Michigan through Friday evening. Some of the storms could become severe, especially across the lower part of northern Michigan.
"The main hazards will be severe wind gusts in excess of 60 mph and large hail. In addition, the chance for a tornado cannot be ruled out. Heavy rain is also possible, especially where thunderstorms are more persistent," the weather service said in a hazardous weather outlook.
A tornado warning expired around 4:30 p.m. for Montmorency and Ostego counties.
A severe thunderstorm watch was in effect for the following counties, according to AccuWeather: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Crawford, Emmet, Grand Traverse, Kalkaska, Leelanau, Mackinac, Manistee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Oscoda, Ostego, Presque Isle, Roscommon and Wexford.