Tornadoes killed six people across Michigan and Oklahoma. Four people died in southern Michigan and two in eastern Oklahoma as severe storms swept through the nation's midsection. A 12-year-old boy was among the four fatalities in Michigan.
In Cass County, one death and injuries occurred. Multiple homes and structures sustained major damage or were completely destroyed. The storms uprooted trees and downed power lines.
In Okmulgee County, Oklahoma, a tornado carved a 4-mile path of damage. Two deaths were reported in Beggs, Oklahoma. County emergency manager Jeff Moore said local crews were working to clear roads and assess the full extent of the damage.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated a state emergency for Branch and Cass counties. Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency for multiple counties affected by the storms.
The National Weather Service warned that severe weather would continue into the weekend, with strong thunderstorms and flash flooding expected from the Great Lakes to Texas. Local responders continued to search damaged areas and begin recovery efforts as the threat persisted across the region.
Tornadoes killed six people across Michigan and Oklahoma on Friday, with a 12-year-old boy among the dead. Four people died in southern Michigan and two in eastern Oklahoma as severe storms swept through the nation's midsection. Cass County Sheriff Clint Roach identified the Michigan victim as Silas Anderson of Edwardsburg, who died from weather-related injuries. "Silas was surrounded by family at the time of his passing," the sheriff's office said in a social media post.
In Branch County, Michigan, a tornado near Union City killed three people and injured 12 others. About 50 miles away in Cass County, one additional death and several injuries occurred. Authorities reported that multiple large structures including homes and pole barns sustained damage ranging from major structural impacts to complete destruction. The storms uprooted trees, downed power lines, and ripped roofs off houses. Hundreds of people lost power, and road closures were expected to continue into the weekend.
Videos shared on social media showed massive whirlwinds sweeping through Union City and large chunks of debris flying across a parking lot in Three Rivers. One resident told CBS News of the moment the tornado passed nearby: "We look out the window and saw the tornado go right down the strip and that's where my daughter is, where my parents, where I live down the road. I was just very grateful that God protected my daughter and my mom and sister and my family."
In Okmulgee County, Oklahoma, a tornado carved a 4-mile path of damage about 30 miles south of Tulsa. Two deaths were reported in Beggs, Oklahoma. County emergency manager Jeff Moore said local crews were working to clear roads and assess the full extent of the damage. "We're just getting everywhere as fast as we can, clearing roads as fast we can," Moore said.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated a state 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."
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency for eight counties: Alfalfa, Creek, Grant, Major, Okmulgee, Rogers, Tulsa, and Wagoner. The declaration was intended to ensure residents had access to support and resources following the storms.
The National Weather Service warned that severe weather would continue into the weekend, with strong thunderstorms and flash flooding expected from the Great Lakes to Texas. Local responders continued to search damaged areas and begin recovery efforts as the threat persisted across the region.
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