A violent tornado which ripped through western Oklahoma lifted a vehicle into the air, killing a teacher and her teenage daughter.
Jodie Owens, 47, and her daughter Lexi, 13, were found dead late on Thursday night inside their van near a highway intersection outside Fairview in Major County, authorities said.
Officials believe the deaths were caused by the deadly tornado that struck as a powerful storm system still battering swathes of the country unleashed destructive winds, large hail and multiple twisters across the region.
Around 32 million Americans currently are under some form of extreme weather alert as forecasters track a volatile weather pattern stretching from North Texas to the Great Lakes.
More than seven million people are in the highest threat zone for severe weather spanning parts of Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska, with nearly 25 million more under a broader risk area that included Dallas, Oklahoma City and Milwaukee.
In Michigan, at least four people were killed after a large tornado tore through the Union Lake area, about 125 miles west of Detroit on Friday.
Officials are urging residents to prepare shelter plans and monitor alerts as they warned of tennis ball–sized hail and potentially deadly gusts.
‘The greatest potential for a few strong tornadoes and very large hail should exist across eastern portions of Oklahoma/Kansas/Nebraska into western Arkansas/Missouri and southern Iowa,’ an alert from the National Weather Service said.
Jodie Owens, 47, and her daughter Lexi Owens, 13, were found dead inside a vehicle in Major County after a tornado struck western Oklahoma
The storm in western Oklahoma lifted debris and dirt into the air. Tornado warnings were issued in surrounding states
Video captured by a first responder near Fairview showed lightning illuminating a large funnel cloud appearing to extend toward the ground
Thunderstorms swept across Oklahoma late on Thursday and tornado warnings were issued in multiple states as conditions primed the atmosphere for severe rotation.
In western Oklahoma, dramatic video captured a first responder driving toward a storm near Fairview while lightning illuminated a massive funnel cloud appearing to reach toward the ground.
Owens died as she was urging her other children at home to take shelter, family said.
‘They’re amazing people, and anyone who knows them will be devastated by this news,’ Jodie’s brother, Justin Zonts, said to KOKH.
‘I feel like I’m watching a movie. It feels like I’ve just watched a movie. I don’t believe it’s real still,’ he added.
According to family members, Jodie realized severe weather was closing in as she and Lexi were heading home.
‘She could see a storm was coming,’ Zonts said. ‘She called her children who were still at home to say, ‘Hey you need to get into a cellar’. That’s actually when she got hit.’
‘She was on the phone with her daughter, who heard her mom and sisters’ last cry. Before the line went dead.’
Authorities have told residents to stay inside, as damaging winds, hail and flooding from the inclement weather continue to be possible into the weekend
Around 32 million Americans currently are under some form of extreme weather alert as forecasters track a volatile weather pattern stretching from North Texas to the Great Lakes
The mother and daughter were located near a highway intersection outside the town of Fairview late on Thursday night
The storm which killed the mother and daughter was so large and lightning so bright that the entire night sky could be seen illuminated
Jodie’s husband alerted law enforcement and helped organize a desperate search.
‘No father, no sister, no brother should have to go through this, and her children should not have to go through this,’ Zonts said.
Jodie Owens was a substitute teacher and a pillar of the Fairview school community.
She was the mother of eight children, a grandmother to four, and was eagerly awaiting the birth of another granddaughter expected May 1, according to relatives.
Her sister, Janelle, described the scale of the loss on a GoFundMe page created to support the family.
‘If you knew Jodie, you know she never asked for anything for herself. She was always the one showing up for everyone else, at the PTA, at the school band cheering on Lexi on the drums, at church, in her neighborhood. She loved God, she loved her family, and she loved her community deeply,’ Janelle wrote.
‘Please, if you can give anything, it will go directly to helping David and these kids. And if you can’t give, please just share this.’
‘This family gave so much to so many people. Now they need us.’
As of Saturday night, $115,000 has been raised to support the family.
The storm appeared Thursday, but meteorologists warned Friday could see the worst weather
Storms and tornado warnings were also issued in Three Rivers, Michigan, where the damage from the intense winds could be seen around town
Drone footage from the area captured the devastation left by the storm, as well as the emergency vehicles responding to the havoc
Massive damage and a collapsed structure was seen at the Menard’s store in Three Rivers after a severe storm
Zonts said his sister lived for her children and their activities.
‘She’s there for her kids,’ he said. ‘She’s in the PTA. She goes to every event. She’s worked with fundraisers for her son, who’s in the high school band at Fairview.
‘She’s just doing everything to be there for her kids in any way so that they can be lifted up, no matter what.’
He remembered Lexi as vibrant and joyful.
‘Lexi is just a sweet little spirit, just happy, full of life, so full of energy and personality,’ he said.
The tornado that killed them tracked for miles, toppling power lines and damaging structures before carving a path of devastation through the county.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt acknowledged the tragedy in a public statement.
‘Severe weather struck Major County last night and tragically claimed the lives of a mother and daughter,’ Stitt said on X.
He added: ‘I am praying for the family as they grieve this tragic loss, as well as all those impacted by the storms. More weather risks are expected across Oklahoma this weekend. Please stay weather aware and follow guidance from local officials to keep your family safe.’
The First Congregational Church in Union City, Michigan, also experienced damage. City officials have urged locals to not travel unnecessarily
In total, three tornadoes were reported in the Union City and Three Rivers area. At least four people died
More than a dozen injuries have also been reported in Michigan, according to officials around the state
Union City officials said the storm caused significant damage that emergency responders were already working to clear
Meteorologists said warm Gulf air is surging northward colliding with colder Canadian air behind advancing fronts.
‘This is probably our first real event this season where people are really starting to pay attention getting into the spring storm season,’ Melissa Mayes, deputy director of the Washington County Emergency Management Agency in Bartlesville, said.
The deadly storm was part of a broader outbreak that roared across the Plains as meteorologists warned the system could intensify.
At least two tornadoes were reported in Michigan Friday. Severe winds ripped through Union City and Three Rivers, with reports of a third possible tornado in St. Joseph County.
Three people were dead in the Union Lake area, according to the Branch County Sheriff’s Office. A dozen injuries were also reported.
Union City officials said the storm caused significant damage. Village crews and emergency responders were working to clear the debris.
Locals were urged to stay inside and avoid traveling unnecessarily.
Cass County officials reported one death and several injuries about 50 miles southwest.
More updates will be posted as information becomes available.
