Michigan tornado kills at least four as storms impact central U.S.

At least four people were killed in southern Michigan after storms that included a confirmed tornado near Union City, and officials said additional possible tornadoes and storm damage were being investigated across the central U.S.

Severe storms moved across parts of the central United States on Friday, producing at least one confirmed tornado in southern Michigan and causing fatalities and property damage. Local authorities in Branch County reported three deaths and multiple injuries near Union Lake, while Cass County reported one death and damage to homes and large structures. The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado near Union City and noted reports of other possible tornadoes in the region. State and local officials activated emergency operations and began coordinating responses. What officials reported: - Branch County authorities said three people were killed and several others were injured near Union Lake, with some taken to hospitals. - Cass County officials reported one death and damage to homes and pole barns in their area. - The National Weather Service confirmed a tornado near Union City and was investigating additional possible tornadoes. - In Oklahoma, authorities reported two deaths that appeared to be tornado related and the NWS planned a damage survey to investigate storm impacts. Summary: Emergency officials described multiple deaths, injuries and structural damage in southern Michigan and said response operations are underway. The National Weather Service planned on-site damage surveys in Oklahoma to determine whether additional storms were tornadoes. Agencies reported widespread severe-weather risk across parts of the Plains and Midwest as investigations and response efforts continued.