At least four people have died and about 12 others sustained injuries after tornadoes struck the Midwestern United States state of Michigan on Friday, according to reports from local authorities and US media.
Officials from the Branch County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that a tornado that touched down near Union City in the southern part of the state claimed three lives and left several residents injured.
The sheriff’s office also disclosed that emergency responders were deployed to assist victims and assess the level of destruction caused by the storm.
“Our thoughts are with those who have lost family members, friends, and property during this tragic incident,” the Branch County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement.
In a separate incident about 50 miles (approximately 80 kilometres) away in Cass County, authorities reported that another tornado resulted in the death of one person while several others were injured.
Local officials noted that the severe weather caused widespread damage in the area, with numerous trees falling across roads and buildings.
The destruction also disrupted electricity supply, leaving more than 500 residents without power.
Emergency officials said teams have begun evaluating the extent of damage to infrastructure and homes affected by the storm.
“Emergency Management personnel will be conducting damage assessments in the affected area as required by the State of Michigan,” the Cass County Sheriff’s Office said in an emergency alert.
Meanwhile, Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer announced that the state had activated its emergency operations centre to coordinate response efforts and support affected communities.
“I want to thank all the first responders on the ground who reacted quickly to keep Michiganders safe,” Whitmer wrote in a post on X.
