Severe Storms Cause Tornadoes, Fatalities in Midwest and South

CHICAGO — Severe storms wreaked havoc across the Midwest and South on Sunday night, leading to significant damage, power outages, and at least seven fatalities. The storms, which included multiple tornadoes, impacted states including Michigan, Indiana, and Oklahoma, leaving hundreds of thousands without power.

The National Weather Service confirmed that four tornadoes touched down across various regions, causing destruction and prompting alerts for severe thunderstorms. As of Monday afternoon, over 400,000 homes and businesses were reported to be without electricity, primarily in Michigan, where severe thunderstorms had targeted both southern and northern regions.

Tragically, three children were killed in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, when a tree fell onto the car they were traveling in. The deceased were identified as a 2-year-old girl, her 4-year-old brother, and their 11-year-old cousin, all reported to be related. “It was a terrible scene to witness and respond to,” said Kalamazoo County Sheriff Richard Fuller.

In Indiana, two fatalities were linked to the storm. One was a semi-truck driver in Valparaiso whose vehicle was toppled by strong crosswinds. Another incident near Millersburg involved an Amish buggy being overturned by the gusts, resulting in another death.

Oklahoma also reported a fatality, where a man was killed after a tree fell onto his camping trailer next to the Illinois River during the storm.

As the storms advanced into the Southeast on Monday, wind damage, hail, and the potential for more tornadoes were noted. The Federal Aviation Administration announced ground stops at major airports, including Atlanta and Charlotte, due to severe weather, causing over 800 flight delays nationwide.

Michigan faced extensive power outages with over 310,000 customers affected, while surrounding states like Wisconsin and Indiana reported significant outages as well. Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for ten counties in Michigan impacted by the severe weather.

Damaging hail was reported in various areas, with some hailstones reaching the size of baseballs. Flash flood warnings were issued in southern Mississippi as heavy rain fell, exacerbating the storm’s impact.

As severe weather continues in parts of the South, meteorologists have indicated that residents should remain alert and prepared for possible dangerous storms, especially as the region enters the peak season for tornado activity.