At least eight people have been confirmed dead following a series of tornadoes that struck the central United States between Thursday and Saturday, with dozens more injured. The National Weather Service reported 18 tornadoes, eight of which were rated EF2 or EF3, with winds ranging from 111 mph to 165 mph.
The most severe damage occurred in Union City, Michigan, where an EF-3 tornado with winds of 160 mph destroyed homes and scattered debris. Three victims were identified: William Andrew Akers, 63; Keri Ann Johnson, 54; and Penni Jo Guthrie, 65. A 12-year-old, Silas Anderson, also died from tornado-related injuries in Edwardsburg, Michigan.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency on Sunday, unlocking government resources for recovery. She toured damaged areas and stated, 'Local crews have been working around the clock to canvass the areas, deliver resources, and clean up the damage.'
The tornadoes come weeks after multiple blizzards hit the northeastern US, highlighting the increasing frequency of severe weather events linked to climate change, driven by fossil fuel emissions.
