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 weather causes fatalities and widespread damage in Midwest states
Severe storms swept across parts of the United States, resulting in at least six fatalities and over a dozen injuries due to tornadoes in Michigan and Oklahoma. Officials confirmed four deaths in southern Michigan and two in Oklahoma on Friday, with rescue teams still evaluating the aftermath. The storms caused significant destruction, including uprooted trees, downed power lines, damaged buildings, and roofs being torn from several homes.
Authorities in Michigan reported three deaths and 12 injuries near Union City after a tornado struck. Power outages and road closures are anticipated this weekend. In Cass County, approximately 50 miles away, one fatality and multiple injuries were documented. “Multiple large structures—including homes and pole barns—sustained damage ranging from major structural impacts to complete destruction,” stated local officials. Hundreds of residents are without electricity, they added.
“We are working with emergency teams to monitor the situation and coordinate resources for those impacted,” said Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer, who activated a state emergency for Branch, Cass, and St Joseph counties. “My heart is with the families who lost loved ones and the Michiganders who were injured yesterday.”
In Oklahoma, Jeff Moore, the county’s emergency manager, noted a tornado left a 4-mile path of damage in Okmulgee County, located 30 miles south of Tulsa. “We’re just getting everywhere as fast as we can, clearing roads as fast as we can,” Moore explained. Two deaths were confirmed in Beggs, according to the Okmulgee County sheriff’s office. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency for eight counties, including Alfalfa, Creek, and Tulsa, to provide support and resources following the storms.
Videos shared on social media captured massive tornadoes tearing through Union City and debris flying across a car park in Three Rivers. The National Weather Service warned that severe weather could persist into the weekend, with thunderstorms and flash flooding expected from the Great Plains to Texas.
Officials continue damage assessments and recovery efforts
Emergency management personnel stated that local responders are still searching damaged areas and initiating recovery operations. The situation remains active, with ongoing efforts to ensure safety and restore infrastructure in affected regions.