Tornadoes Leave Six Dead, Including 12-Year-Old Boy, as Powerful Storms Strike Michigan and Oklahoma

At least six people have lost their lives and more than a dozen others have been injured after destructive tornadoes tore through parts of the United States, striking the states of Michigan and Oklahoma during a wave of severe storms.

Officials confirmed that four people died in southern Michigan, including a 12-year-old boy, while two others were killed in Oklahoma on Friday. Emergency crews are continuing rescue and recovery operations as authorities assess the full extent of the destruction left behind by the powerful storms.

The violent weather uprooted trees, knocked down power lines, damaged buildings and tore roofs from homes across affected communities.

The National Weather Service (NWS) warned that the dangerous weather system may persist into the weekend. Forecasters said thunderstorms and possible flash flooding could affect areas stretching from the Great Plains down to Texas.

In Michigan, the Branch County Sheriff’s Department reported that three people were killed and 12 others were injured near Union City after a tornado swept through the area on Friday. Authorities also warned residents to expect road closures and power outages through the weekend as recovery efforts continue.

Roughly 50 miles (80 km) away in Cass County, officials confirmed another fatality and several injuries following storm damage.

Authorities said the tornado caused extensive destruction across the county.

“Multiple large structures — including homes and pole barns — sustained damage ranging from major structural impacts to complete destruction,” officials said in a statement.

Hundreds of residents were also left without electricity after the storm passed through the area.

Cass County Sheriff Clint Roach announced on Saturday that a 12-year-old boy, Silas Anderson, died from weather-related injuries in Edwardsburg.

“Silas was surrounded by family at the time of his passing,” the sheriff’s office said in a message shared on social media.

Emergency management teams said search and recovery efforts are ongoing as responders continue combing through damaged neighborhoods.

Meanwhile, in Oklahoma, emergency officials reported that a tornado carved a path of destruction roughly four miles (6.4 km) long through Okmulgee County, located about 30 miles (48 km) south of Tulsa.

County emergency manager Jeff Moore said crews are working urgently to clear debris and restore access to affected areas.

“We’re just getting everywhere as fast as we can, clearing roads as fast we can,” Moore said.

Authorities confirmed that two people were killed in Beggs, according to the Okmulgee County Sheriff’s Office.

In response to the devastation, Kevin Stitt, governor of Oklahoma, declared a state of emergency for several counties, including Alfalfa, Creek, Grant, Major, Okmulgee, Rogers, Tulsa and Wagoner.