Severe Storms Claim Lives and Cause Widespread Damage Across Multiple States

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Severe storms sweeping through the Midwest and South on Sunday night have led to the confirmation of four tornadoes and tragic fatalities across several states. Thousands of residents are left without power, with extensive damage reported to homes and vehicles.

As of early Monday morning, the National Weather Service confirmed tornadoes in Tennessee, Oklahoma, Ohio, and Indiana. The violent weather system resulted in at least six fatalities, including three deaths in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, where a falling tree crushed a vehicle in Climax Township.

According to the Kalamazoo County Sheriff’s Office, three passengers in the car were hospitalized. Their conditions ranged from stable to critical. Other fatalities occurred when severe winds toppled an Amish buggy in Elkhart, Indiana, and upturned a semi-truck in Valparaiso, Indiana.

In Oklahoma, authorities reported two people were trapped in a camping trailer when a tree fell upon it near Combs Bridge. A man succumbed to his injuries at the scene, as confirmed by the Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office.

More than 400,000 homes and businesses in Michigan, Wisconsin, Indiana, Ohio, and Kentucky experienced power outages due to downed lines and damaged infrastructure. Live updates indicate that winds and hail are expected to continue affecting the Southeast, potentially spawning additional tornadoes.

As thunderstorms rumble through, major airlines are waiving change fees for customers traveling in impacted areas. Southwest Airlines and United Airlines have offered passengers the option to rebook flights without penalty in affected airports, including Chicago and Indianapolis.

At Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids, students were advised to seek shelter as a tornado warning was issued but lifted about an hour later without incident. Emergency room physician Dr. Chris Davlantes called attention to the importance of preparedness, stating, “You definitely can lower your risk of these severe injuries by wearing a helmet. It’s one of the most critical yet overlooked safety measures.”

In Michigan, freezing rain and high winds led to a severe spike in power outages, leaving many residents struggling to find fuel for generators. Local resident Jesika Fox described the devastation she encountered on a fuel-seeking trip, stating, “We just passed a veterinary clinic. The entire front corner of the building was taken out by a tree.”

Across the region, sporting events were disrupted as fierce storms rolled through. A rain delay in a game between the Angels and White Sox at Rate Field highlighted the struggle of grounds crews working to maintain the playing field.

The National Weather Service reminds residents to watch for tornado watches that call for vigilance and preparation. A tornado warning, active when a tornado is occurring, requires immediate sheltering action to ensure safety.

Reported wind gusts peaked at 96 mph near Jackson, Michigan, with lesser gusts causing widespread damage in neighboring states. Wind reached 79 mph in Joplin, Missouri, and hail was reported at 2.5 inches in diameter southwest of Oklahoma City.

As the storm system progresses, the continuous risk of tornadoes highlights the seasonal dangers that accompany the onset of April, which marks the beginning of peak tornado season across the United States.