Four dead and at least a dozen injured as severe tornado hits Michigan

At least four people have been killed after a deadly tornado ripped through the US state of Michigan.

Homes were destroyed and hundreds of residents were left without power after whirlwinds tore through areas including Three Rivers and Union City.

Michigan governor Gretchen Whitmer announced on Friday she had activated a State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate a response and monitor local situations.

‘By taking this action, we can ensure the state can monitor and respond to local requests’, she wrote.

The powerful storms came at the start of Michigan’s ‘twister season’, although the state usually experiences its most severe weather between June and August.

Pictures from across the state showed cars blanketed in mud and debris, as well as collapsed buildings including warehouses.

Injuries were reported in several south western counties including Branch, Cass, and Saint Joseph, Michigan State Police said.

Branch County Sheriff’s Office said 12 people had been reported injured, of which three had been taken to hospital.

Three people had died as a result of the tornadoes, it confirmed.

Another death was confirmed by authorities in Cass county.

The local sheriff’s office said that volunteers would be assessing damage to buildings today.

‘Please be advised that emergency personnel will be visiting homes affected by Friday evening’s tornado to perform damage assessments. Legitimate personnel will be wearing neon yellow vests’, a statement read.

It warned residents to ‘seek shelter immediately’ and avoid unstable buildings and structures.

The National Weather Service warned on Friday that several rounds of storms would hit overnight, with parts experiencing gusts of up to 60mph and hail of up to one inch.

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