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Deadly tornadoes strike Michigan and Oklahoma
At least six people have died and over a dozen others injured after tornadoes tore through parts of Michigan and Oklahoma on Friday, as severe storms swept across the central United States. Rescue teams are still assessing the extent of the damage.
Michigan hit hardest with four fatalities
In southern Michigan, authorities confirmed four deaths, including a 12-year-old boy identified as Silas Anderson from Edwardsburg. The Branch County Sheriff's Department reported three fatalities and 12 injuries near Union City after a tornado struck the area. Cass County officials later confirmed an additional death and multiple injuries.
Sheriff Clint Roach stated that Silas Anderson succumbed to weather-related injuries on Saturday, surrounded by family. Videos circulating on social media showed massive tornadoes in Union City and debris flying through a car park in Three Rivers.
"We look out the window and saw the tornado go right down the strip... I was just very grateful that God protected my daughter and my mom and sister," a Three Rivers resident told CBS News.
Widespread destruction and power outages
Officials described extensive damage to buildings, including homes and pole barns, ranging from structural impacts to complete destruction. Hundreds of residents were left without power, and road closures were expected to persist through the weekend.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated a state of emergency for Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties, pledging support for affected communities. "We are working with emergency teams to monitor the situation and coordinate resources," she said. "My heart is with the families who lost loved ones and the Michiganders who were injured."
Oklahoma reports two deaths and significant damage
In Oklahoma, two people died in Beggs after a tornado carved a 4-mile (6.4 km) path of destruction through Okmulgee County, approximately 30 miles (48 km) south of Tulsa. Jeff Moore, the county's emergency manager, stated that crews were working urgently to clear roads and assess the damage.
Governor Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency for eight counties, including Okmulgee, to ensure residents receive necessary support. "Oklahomans have the resources they need after last night's storms," he said.
Severe weather forecast to continue
The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that the severe weather threat could extend into the weekend, with thunderstorms and flash flooding risks spanning from the Great Plains to Texas. Emergency responders in both states are continuing search and recovery operations in affected areas.
