UNION LAKE, MICHIGAN — Four people were killed Friday after powerful storms, including at least one confirmed tornado, ripped through southern Michigan, destroying homes, injuring residents, and leaving widespread debris and power outages.
Authorities confirmed three deaths in the Union Lake area and one additional death in Cass County, as severe weather moved across the region.
Three Killed in Union Lake Tornado
According to the Branch County Sheriff’s Office, an apparent tornado struck the Union Lake area, killing three people and injuring at least 12 others.
Emergency responders reported significant structural damage, with homes reduced to rubble and debris scattered across neighborhoods. Portions of roofs were reportedly torn off and flung into the air, while power lines were left tangled with debris.
A funnel cloud was captured on video by a Union Lake resident, who recorded the moment the storm intensified across the frozen lake.
“It’s lifting houses!” she said as the tornado descended and tore through the area.
One Dead in Cass County
Approximately 50 miles southwest of Union Lake, officials in Cass County reported one fatality after another tornado touched down.
Local authorities have not yet released additional details about the victim or the full extent of injuries in that county.
Tornado Confirmed by National Weather Service
The National Weather Service confirmed at least one tornado near Union City on Friday. Meteorologists are investigating reports of additional possible tornadoes across southern Michigan.
Weather experts said conditions were favorable for tornado development due to:
- A weather system pulling moisture north from the Gulf of Mexico
- A warm front moving into Michigan
- Cooler air mass over the Great Lakes region
David Roth, a meteorologist with the Weather Prediction Center in College Park, Maryland, explained that the collision of warm, moist air with cooler northern air created instability conducive to tornado formation.
Michigan averages about 15 tornadoes per year, significantly fewer than states like Texas and Kansas.
Severe Weather Alerts and Power Outages
In St. Joseph County, near the Indiana border, the sheriff’s office urged residents to seek shelter immediately after reports of an unconfirmed tornado and severe thunderstorm activity with wind speeds potentially exceeding 60 mph.
Officials warned of:
- Power outages
- Closed roadways
- Cellular and internet disruptions
Storm damage assessments are ongoing across multiple counties.
Broader Storm System Impacts Midwest and South
The storm system extended beyond Michigan, producing severe weather from the Great Plains to North Texas.
In Oklahoma, a 47-year-old woman and her 13-year-old daughter were found dead inside a vehicle Thursday night near Fairview after intense thunderstorms swept through the area.
Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt expressed condolences to families affected by the storms.
More than 7 million Americans were under the highest risk category for severe weather Friday, including residents in Kansas City, Tulsa, and Omaha. Nearly 25 million people were in a secondary risk zone that included Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Milwaukee.
Severe thunderstorms were expected to continue into the evening across the Plains, Ozarks, and Midwest.
Tornado Season Underway
The deadly storms arrive near the beginning of what is commonly referred to as tornado season in the United States.
Experts recommend preparedness steps such as:
- Having a weather radio
- Monitoring local alerts
- Identifying a safe shelter location in advance
Authorities continue to assess damage and provide assistance to affected communities across southern Michigan.
