US Tornadoes: 8 Dead, Dozens Injured in Oklahoma & Michigan

(Washington) At least eight people have died and dozens more are injured following a series of tornadoes that swept across the central and eastern United States on Friday, authorities reported. The storms caused widespread damage in Michigan and Oklahoma, with rescue efforts continuing to assess the full extent of the devastation.

Four fatalities were confirmed in Oklahoma, occurring as the severe weather system intensified between Thursday and Friday. An additional four deaths were reported in Michigan, in the Great Lakes region, over 1,500 kilometers away. According to Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt, a mother and daughter were among the victims in his state.

In Michigan, the Branch County sheriff’s department reported three deaths and twelve injuries resulting from a tornado near Union City, in the southern part of the state. Approximately 80 kilometers west, in Cass County, authorities confirmed one death and “several injuries,” noting numerous fallen trees obstructing roads and damaging buildings.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the state’s Emergency Operations Center on Friday evening to coordinate rescue and relief efforts in response to the severe weather impacting the southwestern part of the state.

The National Weather Service (NWS) has warned that severe weather conditions could persist into the weekend, forecasting thunderstorms and flash flooding from the Great Plains to Texas. This broad threat area underscores the scale of the current weather system and the potential for further disruption.

In Union City, Michigan, an EF3 tornado with estimated winds of at least 150 mph touched down, according to a damage survey conducted by the NWS. This is the first EF3 tornado recorded in Michigan since 2022, highlighting the intensity of this particular storm event. The tornado caused extensive damage to homes along the St. Joseph River, leaving many structures unrecognizable.

Authorities in Cass County, Michigan, identified 12-year-old Silas Anderson as one of the fatalities, stating he died from weather-related injuries in Edwardsburg. Sheriff Clint Roach noted that Silas was surrounded by family at the time of his death. The sheriff’s office also reported “multiple large structures – including homes and pole barns – sustained damage ranging from major structural impacts to complete destruction.”

Videos circulating on social media depict massive whirlwinds sweeping through Union City, and large debris fields in the city of Three Rivers. Local residents described witnessing the approaching storm, underscoring the sudden and violent nature of the tornadoes.

The storms have resulted in widespread power outages and road closures, particularly in Michigan, where officials anticipate these disruptions will continue throughout the weekend. Hundreds of people remain without power, complicating rescue and recovery efforts.

The severe weather outbreak extends beyond Michigan and Oklahoma. Reports indicate significant damage in Okmulgee County and Major County, Oklahoma, with two deaths reported in each location. The initial severe weather in Oklahoma occurred Thursday night, preceding the widespread tornadoes that impacted multiple states on Friday.

The ongoing storms are expected to bring damaging winds, large hail, and the possibility of additional tornadoes to parts of the South and Midwest. This continued threat necessitates ongoing vigilance and preparedness from residents in affected areas.