Tornadoes Kill 6 in Michigan, Oklahoma

Authorities search debris after suspected twisters tear through southern Michigan and eastern Oklahoma

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Authorities searched through rubble and debris in southern Michigan on Saturday after suspected tornadoes tore through the region and killed four people, including a 12-year-old boy, during powerful storms also blamed for two deaths in eastern Oklahoma. First responders looked for more possible victims and worked to clear roads in the Union Lake area near Union City, where photos and videos showed flattened homes and downed trees.

Why it matters

The severe storms highlight the ongoing threat of tornadoes in the nation's midsection, especially as the spring tornado season approaches. The incidents also raise questions about disaster preparedness and response in vulnerable communities.

The details

The National Weather Service said an initial assessment confirmed an EF3 tornado with winds of at least 150 mph struck the Union Lake area. Three people were killed and 12 were injured there, according to the Branch County Sheriff's Office. About 50 miles southwest, a 12-year-old boy died and several others were injured during a possible tornado. In Beggs, Oklahoma, a tornado was blamed for the deaths of two people in a house, and two others were hospitalized.

  • The storms began in northern Indiana and intensified rapidly in southern Michigan on Friday.
  • The Union Lake area was previously hit by an EF1 tornado in May 2024.

The players

Lonnie Fisher

A meteorologist with the National Weather Service who said the agency sent teams to the region to evaluate the damage and confirm tornadoes.

Clint Roach

The Cass County Sheriff who said a 12-year-old boy, Silas Anderson, died after a possible tornado.

Jeff Moore

The emergency manager for Okmulgee County, Oklahoma, who said a tornado cut a roughly 4-mile path of damage in the area including the town of Beggs.

Gretchen Whitmer

The governor of Michigan who said she would declare a state of emergency in three counties affected by the storms.

Kevin Stitt

The governor of Oklahoma who declared a state of emergency in several counties to free up support and resources.

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What they’re saying

“It's lifting houses!”

— Lisa Piper (Instagram)

“I didn't know what to say. I was lost for words. I'm just thankful that my brother's all right, my dogs, because it could have turned bad. We're not guaranteed of anything.”

— Dan Taylor (taylorvilledailynews.com)

What’s next

The National Weather Service said it would continue surveying the damage in the affected areas to confirm the number and strength of the tornadoes.

The takeaway

The deadly tornadoes in Michigan and Oklahoma underscore the importance of disaster preparedness and resilient infrastructure in communities vulnerable to severe weather events, which are expected to become more frequent and intense due to climate change.