Tornadoes struck the Midwestern US state of Michigan on Friday, killing four people and injuring at least 12 others, according to US media reports.
The Branch County Sheriff’s Office said a tornado that hit near Union City in the southern part of the state left three people dead and 12 others injured.
About 50 miles (80 kilometres) west, authorities in Cass County confirmed that another tornado touched down in the area, killing one person and causing several injuries.
“Our thoughts are with those who have lost family, friends, and property during this incident,” the Branch County Sheriff’s Office said in a statement to local media.
Officials in Cass County also reported significant damage, with numerous trees falling onto roads and buildings. More than 500 residents were left without power following the storm.
Emergency management personnel said damage assessments will be carried out across the affected areas as required by the state.
Meanwhile, Gretchen Whitmer announced that the state had activated its emergency operations centre to coordinate the response to the severe weather in southwestern Michigan.
“I want to thank all the first responders on the ground who reacted quickly to keep Michiganders safe,” she said in a post on X.
