At least six dead after tornadoes sweep across Michigan and Oklahoma, officials say
At least six dead after tornadoes sweep across Michigan and Oklahoma, officials say
Severe tornado activity has left at least six fatalities and over a dozen injuries across Michigan and Oklahoma, according to local authorities. Rescue teams are still evaluating the extent of the damage as the storms impacted regions in the U.S. on Friday. Reports indicate that trees were uprooted, power lines fell, and several buildings sustained significant damage, with some roofs entirely removed.
National Weather Service warns of continued severe weather
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued alerts that the intense storm systems could persist into the weekend, forecasting thunderstorms and flash flooding from the Great Plains to Texas. This warning comes as officials confirm ongoing assessments of affected areas.
Michigan: Tornadoes cause major destruction in multiple counties
In Branch County, Michigan, a tornado struck near Union City, resulting in three deaths and twelve injuries. Power outages and road closures are anticipated this weekend, as per local authorities. Approximately 50 miles (80 km) away in Cass County, one fatality and several injuries were reported, with structures like homes and pole barns damaged severely.
“Multiple large structures – including homes and pole barns – sustained damage ranging from major structural impacts to complete destruction,” stated officials in Cass County. Hundreds of residents are reported to be without electricity.
Videos circulating on social media captured dramatic footage of massive whirlwinds in Union City and debris swirling through a car park in Three Rivers. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state emergency for Branch, Cass, and St Joseph counties to facilitate response efforts. “We are working with emergency teams to monitor the situation and coordinate resources for those impacted,” Whitmer said. She expressed her condolences to families who lost loved ones and those injured in the storms.
Oklahoma: State of emergency declared after tornado damage
In Oklahoma, emergency manager Jeff Moore described a tornado that carved a 4-mile (6.4 km) path of destruction in Okmulgee County, located 30 miles (48 km) south of Tulsa. “We’re just getting everywhere as fast as we can, clearing roads as fast as we can,” Moore explained. The county sheriff’s office confirmed two deaths in Beggs, Oklahoma.
“We declared a state of emergency for Alfalfa, Creek, Grant, Major, Okmulgee, Rogers, Tulsa, and Wagoner counties to ensure Oklahomans have the support and resources they need after last night’s storms,” said Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt.
Emergency management personnel noted that local responders are actively searching damaged zones and initiating recovery operations. The combined toll from the tornadoes underscores the widespread impact of the weather events across the Midwest and southern states.
