Michigan, USA: Three people have been killed and several others injured after a tornado struck a town in Michigan, authorities confirmed. The Branch County Sheriff’s Office reported 12 injuries in the Union Lake area, roughly 35 miles (56 km) northwest of Detroit.

Powerful storms tore across southern Michigan on Friday, ripping the roof off a home improvement store, sending parts of a storage building flying, and toppling trees as tornado warnings were issued.

Residents urged to seek shelter amid severe winds

In St. Joseph County, near the Indiana border, authorities warned residents to “seek shelter immediately” following reports of an unconfirmed tornado, severe thunderstorm watch, and possible winds exceeding 60 mph (96.6 kph).

“Citizens should anticipate power outages, closed roadways and/or neighbourhoods and cellular/internet interruptions,” the sheriff’s office said on Facebook.

Shocking Tornado footage captures destruction

Lisa Piper, filming from her home near Union City, captured a ferocious rotating column of air across the lake. “Oh my God,” she repeatedly exclaimed. “It's lifting houses. Oh my heart is pounding. Oh, I hope they’re OK.”

The Michigan state government activated its Emergency Operations Centre to respond to serious wind damage and injuries across multiple southwest Michigan counties. In Edwardsburg, officials reported downed trees, heavily damaged homes, and advised residents to avoid the area.

Tornadoes and storms across the midwest

While Michigan was hit, storms also affected other regions. Videos online showed violent, rotating columns of air, though no tornadoes were immediately confirmed. In western Oklahoma, a first responder filmed a massive funnel near Fairview, illuminated by lightning.

Tragically, a 47-year-old woman and her 13-year-old daughter were found dead in a vehicle near a highway intersection in Fairview around 10 p.m. Thursday. Authorities said the crash “appears to be tornado-related,” according to Sarah Stewart, Oklahoma Highway Patrol spokesperson.

“Severe weather struck Major County last night and tragically claimed the lives of a mother and daughter," Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt said. "I am praying for the family as they grieve this tragic loss, as well as all those impacted by the storms.”

The National Weather Service in Norman, Oklahoma, plans to send a damage survey team to confirm tornado activity, said meteorologist Ryan Bunker. “As of right now, we’re still investigating that.”

Millions at risk of severe weather

Over 7 million Americans faced the highest risk of severe weather Friday in areas including Kansas City, Missouri; Tulsa, Oklahoma; and Omaha, Nebraska, according to the Storm Prediction Center. Another 25 million people were at a slightly lower risk across Dallas, Oklahoma City, and Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The National Weather Service warned of severe, scattered thunderstorms from the Plains to the Midwest Friday evening. “The greatest potential for a few strong tornadoes and very large hail should exist across eastern portions of Oklahoma/Kansas/Nebraska into western Arkansas/Missouri and southern Iowa,” it said.

Meteorologists attribute the severe storm setup to a clash between warm Gulf Coast air and cooler Canadian air moving in behind cold fronts. “This is probably our first real event this season where people are really starting to pay attention getting into the spring storm season,” said Melissa Mayes, deputy director of the Washington County Emergency Management Agency in Bartlesville, Oklahoma.

Tornado safety and spring storm outlook

The storms mark the start of the spring tornado season, which begins at different times across the U.S. Experts recommend having a weather radio and a shelter plan ready.

Meanwhile, the Northeast faced winter weather advisories as rain, snow, and slush affected commutes from Pennsylvania to Maine. Vehicle slide-offs were reported on the Maine Turnpike, and schools in New Hampshire and Maine canceled or delayed classes.

Southern U.S. regions are expected to see unseasonably warm temperatures by the weekend. “Temperatures will be 20-30 degrees above average, with 80s reaching as far north as parts of the Ohio Valley and Mid-Atlantic,” federal forecasters noted. “Daily records could become widespread.”