Tornadoes and severe storms tore through southern Michigan on Friday, killing at least four people, injuring more than a dozen, and leaving hundreds without power, local officials said.
The National Weather Service had issued tornado warnings before massive whirlwinds struck towns including Three Rivers and Union City, ripping roofs off buildings and scattering debris, according to Reuters report.
Local media showed homes and cars smashed, with trees, poles, and road signs toppled.
Branch County reported three deaths and a dozen injuries, while Cass County confirmed one fatality and several more wounded. Officials there said multiple homes and large structures were either heavily damaged or destroyed.
Power outages stretched across the region, with Union City warning that restoration could take days after miles of power lines were brought down. Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center to monitor the situation, while emergency services said local responders were handling what they described as a “devastating” afternoon and evening in southwest Michigan.
