Although the National Weather Service has ruled out a tornado, many Allendale residents still believe a twister ripped through their neighborhood Wednesday.

After surveying the damage, the National Weather Service believes a microburst is what left the path of destruction. Meteorologists define a microburst as a down rush of wind between 60 mph and 80 mph, measuring three football fields wide and 2 miles long.

Allendale Mayor Vince Barra estimates about 27 trees crashed onto more than two-dozen homes during the violent thunderstorms. One resident said three trees crashed onto his house, one of which destroyed his deck. At least four homes have been deemed structurally unsafe.

Many residents are still without power. The town said people should get their electricity back by Thursday night, but some areas may remain in the dark until Friday morning.

For Chopper 12 footage of the storm damage, go to channel 612 on your iO digital cable box and select iO extra.

Related Information:National Weather Service