At least four people were killed by tornadoes in Michigan, major media outlets reported. Three people died near Union City in southern Michigan, local police said. One person died in Cass County, Michigan, about 80 km west of Union City, authorities confirmed. Numerous trees fell on roads and buildings across the state, and hundreds of people were affected by power outages. Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer set up a crisis center to coordinate recovery efforts, she announced.
In Oklahoma, a tornado hit the rural town of Enid, population about 50,000, according to multiple reports. The Garfield County Sheriff's Office reported no immediate fatalities and only minor injuries. The Garfield County emergency manager reported at least 10 people suffered minor injuries. Homes were reduced to rubble and splintered wood in Enid, major media reported. The mayor of Enid, David Mason, said some people were trapped in their homes and had to be rescued. He urged residents to stay away from the Gray Ridge area where houses collapsed. Emergency crews conducted search and rescue operations at Vance Air Force Base in Enid. Vance Air Force Base confirmed the tornado impact and is conducting accountability procedures, the base said in a statement. The base is closed until further notice due to ongoing power and water restoration, the base confirmed. The tornado ripped roofs off buildings and knocked down power poles in Oklahoma. The National Weather Service issued a tornado emergency alert for Enid until 8:45pm CDT and warned that golf ball-sized hail was possible.
Amy Kuntz, a resident of Enid, described a harrowing experience where she told a family member to get in the bathtub moments before the tornado struck, according to The Guardian. Vance Air Force Base stated on social media that base leadership is assessing the installation to determine the extent of damage and to ensure the safety of facilities and infrastructure. Mayor David Mason said on social media that the support from the community has been remarkable, with local businesses offering equipment and labor, residents opening their doors, and supplies pouring in already.
The largest tornado stayed on the ground for 30 minutes, according to major media. At least 30 million people are in risk areas for dangerous weather over the next three days, major media reported. Seasonal tornadoes are expected to spread into Illinois, major media said.
Separately, more than 87 homes were destroyed by wildfires in Georgia, major media reported. Two blazes in Georgia have burned tens of thousands of acres amid drought and high winds, according to major media.
The total number of fatalities from the tornado outbreak across all affected states has not been confirmed. The full extent of damage in Enid, including the number of destroyed homes, remains unclear. It is unknown whether any missing persons have been reported in either Oklahoma or Michigan. The status of power and water restoration at Vance Air Force Base is still being assessed. The number of confirmed tornadoes across the central US during this outbreak has not yet been finalized.