Associated Press
Four people were killed Friday in southern Michigan as powerful storms that produced at least two tornadoes reduced homes to rubble, sent parts of roofs flying into the air and left a trail of debris hanging from power lines.
In the Union Lake area, near Union City, three people were killed and 12 were injured after an apparent tornado hit, according to the Branch County Sheriff’s Office.
About 50 miles to the southwest, Cass County officials reported one death and several injuries after a tornado touched down.
Lisa Piper stood on her back deck near Union Lake and videoed a terrifying scene that played out on the other side of frozen Union Lake as a funnel cloud formed and then dropped toward the ground. Trees were torn from their roots and debris flew into the air.
“It’s lifting houses!” she said. As the devastation continued, she exclaimed, “Oh my heart is pounding. Oh, I hope they’re OK.”
Powerful storms formed Friday from Michigan all the way to Oklahoma, with reports of heavy rain and threats of severe thunderstorms. Tornado watches stretched from Iowa to Oklahoma, along with Michigan.
At least one tornado has been confirmed in southern Michigan, near Union City, on Friday, according to the National Weather Service, and there were reports of possible others.
Heavy storm damage was also seen in southwest Michigan, where Cass County declared a local state of emergency Friday evening following a tornado and severe storms that hit the area earlier in the day.
Jones said local resources are being utilized to their fullest extent and that additional assistance may be required to clear debris and support affected residents.
Cass County Emergency Manager Manny DeLaRosa confirmed that multiple large structures — including homes and pole barns — suffered damage ranging from major structural impacts to complete destruction, according to a report from WNDU.
Numerous trees have also fallen onto roads and buildings.
