On May 13, 1980, Kalamazoo faced an unprecedented F3 tornado that carved its way through the downtown central business district destroying everything in its path. The devastation resulted in several deaths and millions of dollars in damages to practically every downtown business.

Journalist Blake Naftel has been collecting video and other data on the tornado for more than a decade. The tornado served as the impetus for Naftel’s career aspirations and has resulted in a sprawling documentary project.

Naftel and fellow journalist Chris Killian stopped by the Nonchalant Café Hour to discuss the tragic events that took place 30-years ago on this day.

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(Photo: RaGardner4 /Flickr)