Deadly tornadoes kill four in Michigan as severe weather threatens millions through the night
Dangerous tornadoes ripped through Southwestern Michigan earlier, where four people were killed as powerful storms tore through multiple counties and continue threatening millions across the central U.S.
In Cass County, officials confirmed one fatality after a tornado ripped through areas near Edwardsburg on Friday afternoon.
Emergency crews were deployed to the southern portion of the county as the storm carved a destructive path beginning just west of Edwardsburg along Conrad Road and continuing east past M-62, according to the Sheriff’s Office.
Cass County Emergency Management reported widespread devastation. Multiple large structures — including homes and pole barns — sustained significant damage, with some suffering major structural impacts and others completely destroyed.
Numerous trees were toppled onto homes and roadways, creating dangerous conditions and hampering emergency response. More than 500 customers lost power, according to Midwest Energy & Communications. Several injuries were also reported, Sheriff Clint Roach said.
As the scope of the destruction became clear, Cass County Board Chair Jeremiah Jones issued a local state of emergency, noting that local resources were stretched to their fullest extent and additional assistance may be needed.
Farther east in Branch County, the toll was even more devastating. The Branch County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that three people were killed after a strong, dangerous tornado tore through the Union Lake area. Emergency crews remain on scene assessing damage and clearing debris as recovery efforts continue.
Sheriff Frederick A. Blankenship urged residents to avoid the hardest-hit areas to allow first responders to safely conduct search-and-recovery operations. “Our thoughts are with those who have lost family, friends, and property during this incident,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a statement, adding that further updates will be provided as more information becomes available.
The deadly tornadoes were part of a broader severe weather outbreak that continues through the evening and into Saturday, with millions across the Midwest and central U.S. bracing for the threat of additional tornadoes, large hail and damaging winds.
Forecasters warn that conditions remain favorable for dangerous storms, and residents in impacted areas should stay weather-aware, monitor alerts closely and be prepared to seek sturdy shelter immediately if warnings are issued.