Severe tornadoes and thunderstorms swept across several U.S. states, causing at least six deaths and injuring more than a dozen people. Homes were heavily damaged, with widespread fallen trees and power poles. Meanwhile, the governors of Michigan and Oklahoma declared emergencies in multiple areas to expedite aid delivery.
Michigan officials reported significant losses, with at least four deaths confirmed after a tornado struck the southern part of the state last Friday. Among the fatalities was Silas Anderson, a 12-year-old boy from Edwardsburg, who died from injuries related to the severe weather. The Cass County Sheriff's Office stated the boy passed away while under family care.
Branch County authorities said a tornado hit near Union City, resulting in three deaths and at least 12 injuries. Many homes and large buildings suffered severe damage, ranging from structural harm to complete destruction. Additionally, hundreds of residents faced widespread power outages.
In Oklahoma, the storm's severity caused two deaths in the city of Beggs. Emergency officials reported that the tornado carved a damage path over 6.4 kilometers long in Okmulgee County, south of Tulsa.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency covering eight counties: Alfalfa, Creek, Grant, Major, Okmulgee, Rogers, Tulsa, and Wagoner, to mobilize resources for urgently assisting affected residents.
Videos shared on social media showed a massive tornado hitting Union City and debris flying across a parking lot in Three Rivers. A local resident said she saw the tornado pass directly through the area where her daughter and parents live but was relieved that her entire family remained safe.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency in Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties, stating, "My heart goes out to the families who lost loved ones and to all Michiganders injured in this event."
The U.S. National Weather Service warned that severe weather could continue throughout the weekend, with potential thunderstorms and flash floods from the Great Plains to Texas. Rescue teams continue to assess damage and search for anyone possibly trapped under debris.
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