Fatal Tornadoes Impact Michigan and Oklahoma
At least six people have died and more than a dozen others were injured after tornadoes struck Michigan and Oklahoma amid severe storms sweeping across parts of the United States.
Officials reported that four fatalities occurred in southern Michigan and two in Oklahoma on Friday, with rescue teams continuing to evaluate the extent of the damage.
The storms caused widespread destruction, uprooting trees, downing power lines, damaging buildings, and tearing roofs off some houses.
The National Weather Service (NWS) indicated that severe weather conditions could persist into the weekend, issuing warnings for thunderstorms and flash flooding stretching from the Great Plains to Texas.
Michigan Tornado Damage and Casualties
In Michigan, the Branch County sheriff's department confirmed three deaths and 12 injuries near Union City following a tornado on Friday. Authorities anticipate power outages and road closures throughout the weekend.
Approximately 50 miles (80 km) away in Cass County, Michigan, officials reported one death and several injuries.
Authorities stated,
"Multiple large structures - including homes and pole barns - sustained damage ranging from major structural impacts to complete destruction."
Hundreds of residents were reported to be without power in the affected areas.
Videos circulated on social media depicted massive whirlwinds moving through Union City, with large debris and dust clouds sweeping across a car park in the city of Three Rivers.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Branch, Cass, and St Joseph counties.
"We are working with emergency teams to monitor the situation and coordinate resources for those impacted,"she said.
"My heart is with the families who lost loved ones and the Michiganders who were injured yesterday."
Emergency management officials reported that local responders are continuing to search damaged areas and initiate recovery efforts.
Oklahoma Tornado Path and Response
In Oklahoma, Jeff Moore, the county emergency manager, described a tornado that carved a path of damage approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) long in Okmulgee County, located about 30 miles (48 km) south of Tulsa.
"We're just getting everywhere as fast as we can, clearing roads as fast we can,"Moore said.
The Okmulgee County sheriff's office confirmed two deaths in Beggs, Oklahoma.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency for Alfalfa, Creek, Grant, Major, Okmulgee, Rogers, Tulsa, and Wagoner counties.
"This is to ensure Oklahomans have the support and resources they need after last night's storms,"he stated.
