Emergency officials share updates on Kalamazoo Co. storm damage [Video]

PORTAGE, Mich. — Gregg and Carole Nelson were on their way to get a chainsaw when 13 ON YOUR SIDE spoke with them Monday afternoon at their Portage home.

Nearly a week after multiple tornadoes hit communities hard in Southwest Michigan, federal officials are set to visit the area including the Nelsons’ city of Portage to determine the need for federal assistance to help those in need.

“There are people that really are suffering and our hearts go out to them,” said Carole.

The couple, who said they’ve lived in Michigan for over 20 years and also lived in Nebraska for nearly two decades, recounted what it was like to be in their home’s basement when the tornadoes touched down.

“About a minute [after moving to the basement], the tops of the trees …