Severe storms swept across the Midwest on Tuesday, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and tornadoes in the wake of a deadly twister that struck a small town in Oklahoma, claiming at least one life.
Tornadoes were reported after dark on Tuesday in parts of Michigan, Indiana, and Ohio, while other areas in Illinois, Kentucky, and Missouri were under tornado watch, as per the National Weather Service. Forecasters warned that the storms could persist late into the night, potentially spawning more tornadoes and large hail.
In southwestern Michigan, two tornadoes struck the city of Portage near Kalamazoo, causing significant damage to homes and businesses. While there were no immediate reports of serious injuries, about 15 to 20 people were taken to hospitals with minor injuries.
Photos shared on social media showed extensive damage to a FedEx building in the Portage area. A FedEx spokesperson confirmed the damage but stated that there were no serious injuries among their employees.
More than 20,000 people lost power in the Portage area, with the majority expected to remain without power until Wednesday evening, according to Consumers Energy.
Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for several counties in the area, citing large hail and at least two confirmed tornadoes.
The storms across the Midwest came just a day after a deadly tornado struck the town of Barnsdall in Oklahoma, leaving behind a trail of destruction. The twister, with wind speeds of up to 200 mph, caused significant damage to homes, businesses, and a wax manufacturing facility in the area.
At least one person was reported dead in Barnsdall, with one man still missing. First responders rescued about 25 people from collapsed homes, and several others sustained injuries.
The storms in Oklahoma and the Midwest come amidst a period of heightened weather activity across the United States, with areas in the East and South expected to experience severe weather throughout the week. The State Emergency Operations Center in Oklahoma remains activated as communities work to recover from the recent storms.