Authorities in southern Michigan were searching through rubble Saturday after tornadoes tore through the region, killing at least eight people across Michigan and Oklahoma over several days and leaving entire neighborhoods flattened in their wake.
According to data by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) analyzed by MLive, Friday was Michigan’s deadliest tornado day in 46 years.
Why Were These Tornadoes So Deadly?
Michigan sits outside the so-called Tornado Alley and averages about 15 tornadoes per year—much less than the 155 for Texas and 96 for Kansas—which means the devastation brought about by Friday’s storms was rare and unexpected.
The deadly storm system marks one of the most destructive early-season tornado outbreaks in the Midwest and southern Plains in recent years, striking communities before many residents had time to seek adequate shelter.
The NOAA Storm Prediction Center warned there was also an enhanced risk of severe thunderstorms across parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska and Iowa on Friday.
The confirmed Enhanced Fujita (EF) 3 tornado—with winds of at least 150 miles per hour—that struck Michigan’s Union Lake area underscores the growing threat of powerful storms as the spring severe weather season begins. With the storm threat continuing across multiple states Saturday, officials warn the situation remains dangerous.
What To Know
Three people were killed and 12 injured in the Union Lake area of southern Michigan, according to the Branch County Sheriff’s Office. About 50 miles southwest, a 12-year-old boy, identified as Silas Anderson, died after being found by his parents during a possible tornado in Cass County. Governor Gretchen Whitmer said she would declare a state of emergency in Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties. Disaster relief workers were going door-to-door in the Union City and Three Rivers areas offering meals and cleanup supplies.
In Oklahoma, two people were killed Friday when a tornado tore a roughly four-mile path of destruction through Okmulgee County near Beggs, about 30 miles south of Tulsa. Two additional people were hospitalized. A suspected tornado also damaged a building at the Tulsa Tech Peoria campus in northern Tulsa.
Two more deaths were recorded Thursday evening when a mother and daughter were killed after their vehicle was struck by a suspected tornado in Major County, about 100 miles northwest of Oklahoma City. The women had been driving near State Highway 60 and 243, west of Fairview, when the person the mother was speaking with on the phone lost contact with her. The pair were later reported missing before Sheriff Tony Robinson confirmed their deaths. Governor Kevin Stitt declared a state of emergency in several Oklahoma counties to free up resources for affected areas.
What People Are Saying
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt wrote on X: “Severe weather struck Major County last night and tragically claimed the lives of a mother and daughter. I am praying for the family as they grieve this tragic loss, as well as all those impacted by the storms.”
Lonnie Fisher, National Weather Service (NWS) meteorologist, told the Associated Press: “Mostly likely there were three distinct tornadoes, but we won’t know 100 percent for sure until they finish the survey.”
Lisa Piper, Union Lake-area resident who captured the tornado on video: “It’s lifting houses! Oh my heart is pounding. Oh, I hope they’re OK.”
NOAA Storm Prediction Center: “Scattered severe thunderstorms are expected from mid afternoon through tonight from parts of the southern/central Plains to the Ozarks and Midwest,” adding that the greatest potential for strong tornadoes and very large hail exists across eastern Oklahoma, Kansas and Nebraska into western Arkansas, Missouri and southern Iowa.
NWS Norman office on X: “Severe Weather Awareness Expo today at Penn Square Mall in OKC from 11 AM to 2 PM. A couple of our NWS meteorologists will have a table there along with many other partners that make up the weather community to promote weather safety. Admission is free!”
NWS Detroit on X: “Marginal Risk for Severe Thunderstorms Today. Showers and thunderstorms will impact the region this morning before another round is possible between 3pm and 7pm. The potential exists for damaging wind gusts to 60 mph.”
What Happens Next
First responders were continuing to search the Union Lake area Saturday for possible additional victims while working to clear roads and assess the full scope of the destruction.
Reporting from the Associated Press contributed to this article.
