Michigan tornadoes cause deadly damage as severe storms spread across Central US

Michigan tornadoes left several people dead on Friday as powerful storms moved across parts of the Central United States.

According to The Associated Press, three people were killed and 12 others were injured after a tornado tore through the Union Lake area in Branch County, Michigan.

Authorities said several people were taken to hospital, though the severity of their injuries was not immediately known.

Officials also confirmed another death after a tornado touched down in nearby Cass County.

Several people were injured and major structures were damaged, prompting local authorities to declare a state of emergency.

The destructive tornado developed from a powerful supercell thunderstorm.

The National Weather Service issued a rare “particularly dangerous situation” warning as the storm moved near Three Rivers Michigan.

Emergency officials activated the State Emergency Operations Center after damage was reported in Branch, Cass and St Joseph counties.

Video from the Three Rivers area showed debris being thrown high into the air and large sections of roofing torn from buildings.

In Union City, video captured debris flying through the air while a person can be heard saying: “There goes a house.”

The deaths in Michigan come after a separate tornado struck Oklahoma overnight, killing a mother and daughter.