At least six people have been killed after powerful tornadoes and severe thunderstorms swept across parts of the Plains and Midwest in the United States, flattening homes, uprooting trees and leaving a trail of destruction.Authorities said four deaths were reported in southwestern Michigan while two others were confirmed in Oklahoma after violent storms struck the region between Thursday night and Friday.The severe weather outbreak is affecting a vast stretch of the country, more than 1,500 miles from Texas to Michigan, with over 63 million people under threat from damaging winds, hail and possible tornadoes.

Michigan tornado devastates communities

The worst destruction was reported in southwestern Michigan, where a strong tornado tore through areas around Union City and Union Lake.Officials in Branch County confirmed that three people were killed and at least 12 others were injured after the storm ripped through homes and buildings. Three of the injured were taken to hospital.Nearby Cass County reported one additional fatality. Emergency officials said several large structures, including homes and agricultural buildings, suffered severe damage, with some completely destroyed.Residents described terrifying scenes as the tornado crossed frozen Union Lake, lifting debris and tearing trees from the ground.Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the state’s Emergency Operations Center to coordinate emergency response efforts and urged residents to avoid affected areas.

Oklahoma storms claim two lives

In Oklahoma, two people were killed after storms and suspected tornadoes moved through central parts of the state.Authorities said a mother and her teenage daughter died in Major County on Thursday night when their vehicle was struck during the storm.Another tornado carved a roughly four-mile path of destruction in Okmulgee County, damaging buildings and forcing emergency crews to clear roads and search for survivors.The National Weather Service has confirmed at least three tornadoes in Oklahoma, with damage surveys continuing.

Millions still at risk as storms continue

Meteorologists warned that the severe weather threat remains widespread. The Storm Prediction Center issued a Level 3 out of 5 risk for severe thunderstorms across parts of Oklahoma, Texas, Kansas, Missouri, Arkansas, Nebraska and Iowa.More than 7 million people are currently in the highest risk zone, which includes cities such as Kansas City, Tulsa and Omaha.Forecasters say the storms formed as a low-pressure system pulled warm, moist air from the Gulf of Mexico and collided with cooler air over the Great Lakes, creating ideal conditions for tornado formation.Experts warn that severe weather could continue across the central United States through the weekend and into next week as the spring storm season begins.