Updated: Tornado Hits Dexter

Update 10:30 p.m.

There will be no school tomorrow for students in Dexter Community Schools. will be open from 10 a.m. to noon and 1-3 p.m. for students who want to talk to a counselor or a teacher.

The school district asks that students do not stop by , because they are trying to reserve the school for shelter purposes.

Update 10 p.m.

Jenni Hawes with the Washtenaw Chapter of the Red Cross is on the scene in Dexter.

According to Hawes, there are two shelters set up in the Dexter area. The first is for those affected by the tornado. Residents can go to at 7305 Dexter Ann Arbor Rd., 48130. The Red Cross will provide the following services there:

• Health
• Mental Health
• Shelter
• Food
• Water
• Basic Needs

The Red Cross is also partnering with the Salvation Army in Ann Arbor to help residents just outside Dexter who have flooding issues. According to Hawes, there were apartment complexes that had to be evacuated due to flood waters. That shelter will be at the Salvation Army in Ann Arbor at 100 Arbana Drive.

In addition, the Red Cross is providing canteen services to all police and fire agencies in Dexter.

Hawes said the best thing people can do to help, right now, is donate to the local Red Cross disaster relief fund. This will help them provide the services needed at the shelters. To donate you can call 734-971-5300 or donate online at www.wc-redcross.org.

Schools

There are two schools in Dexter without power. Dexter Public Schools officials said they are not yet sure whether or not school will be in session Friday. They'll make a decision at 6 a.m. tomorrow.

Update 9:17 p.m.

Mark Peterson, a representative with FEMA, said the state and the organization are monitoring the situation in Dexter. No formal request for assistance has been made, but Peterson said they will continue to follow their process and will be ready should they get called in to assist with disaster relief.

Update 9 p.m.

From Derrick Jackson, director of community engagement with Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office:

The Washtenaw County Sheriff's Office along with many first responding agencies are currently involved in a search in and around Dexter Village due to the severe weather.

• Currently there are no known serious injuries or deaths although door-to-door searching continues.
• The storm has moved from North West Washtenaw County through the Dexter Area
• Incident command is in place including multiple fire agencies
• Additional fire and support equipment is staged and in place.
• Police have established points to direct traffic including inner and outer perimeters.
• Area residents who have power should stay in their homes.
• Individuals who may require some shelter should respond to the Dexter Mill Creek School
• The situation is in stasis and fire and police are working cooperatively to confirm damage and provide assistance and support where required.
• Medical units are also on scene and in place providing support as may be required.

Update 7:17 p.m.

Sharon Bihlmeyer Gauthier posted the following on Dexter Patch: "Lots of folks out here in Hickory Creek sub are willing to take anybody in that lost their home and need a place to stay!"

Jennifer Johnston said she's heard that families in need are being directed to Dexter Fire Station 1.

There are more than 1,300 people without power in the Dexter area according to DTE. There is no estimate of when power will be restore; there are many downed trees in the area.

Update 7:10 p.m.

Residents in Dexter are surveying damage in Dexter following a tornado that ripped through the area Thursday.

On the Dexter Patch Facebook page several residents weighed in.

Mary Sobecki-Pierce said she saw a funnel cloud near Mast Road and Brass Creek subdivision, while Denise Oliver said there was a lot of flooding at Dexter Crossing.

According to the Associated Press, Washtenaw County director of Emergency Management Marc Breckenridge confirmed that a tornado was in the area.

"We've had lots of damage reports," he said.

All events at Dexter Schools have been canceled for the night due to inclement weather and tornado activity in the area.

If you have video or photos of the tornado, upload them to this article.

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