Michigan storms leave at least four dead as central U.S. faces severe weather

Powerful storms in Michigan killed at least four people and caused multiple injuries and structural damage, while officials warned of widespread severe thunderstorms and tornado risk across parts of the central United States.

At least four people were reported dead after powerful storms moved through southern Michigan, officials said. Local authorities reported multiple injuries and structural damage in Branch and Cass counties. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate response efforts. The National Weather Service also planned damage surveys in Oklahoma after a separate storm that officials said may have been tornado-related. Known details: - Branch County reported three deaths, about a dozen injuries and several people transported to hospitals, according to the sheriff's office. - Cass County reported one death and damage to multiple large structures, including homes and pole barns, local emergency officials said. - Oklahoma authorities reported two deaths that appear to be tornado-related and the National Weather Service planned a damage survey to investigate those storms. - Forecasts and the Storm Prediction Center identified a wide swath of the central U.S. at elevated risk for severe thunderstorms and possible tornadoes, covering metropolitan areas including Kansas City, Tulsa and Omaha. Summary: Officials reported at least four fatalities in Michigan and additional storm-related deaths in Oklahoma. State and federal weather agencies have activated response measures and planned surveys to assess damage. Forecasters say severe storms and tornado risk remain for parts of the central United States as the system continues to move through the region.