Six people killed in Michigan and Oklahoma as devastating tornado outbreak sweeps the United States
Six people have died and several others were injured after a series of powerful tornadoes swept across Michigan and Oklahoma on Friday local time. The storms left a trail of destruction, with buildings levelled, trees uprooted, and widespread power outages.
In Michigan, the Branch County Sheriff’s Department reported three deaths and 12 injuries near Union City. About 80 kilometres away, in Cass County, 12-year-old Silas Anderson was reported as the state’s fourth fatality. ‘Silas was surrounded by his family at the time of his death,’ according to a statement from the Cass County Sheriff’s Office.
Damage in the area was described as severe. ‘Many large structures, including homes and sheds, sustained damage ranging from major structural failure to total collapse,’ officials said.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency for Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties. ‘My heart is with the families who have lost loved ones and the people of Michigan who were injured yesterday,’ Whitmer said.
Similar conditions were reported in Oklahoma. Okmulgee County Emergency Manager Jeff Moore said the tornado carved a 6.4-kilometre path of destruction south of Tulsa. Two people were reported killed in the Beggs area.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has also declared a state of emergency for eight counties, including Tulsa and Okmulgee, to ensure residents receive the assistance and resources needed following the storm.
The National Weather Service warned that the bad weather could continue into the weekend. The threat of thunderstorms and flash floods was expected to extend from the Great Plains to Texas.
Residents in affected areas described a tense scene as the tornado approached. ‘We looked out the window and saw the tornado crossing right along the main street where my daughter, my parents, and my home were. I am very grateful that God protected my family,’ said one Three Rivers, Michigan resident.
Emergency crews continued to work quickly to clear roads and restore power to hundreds of affected residents.