Teacher and her daughter, 13, killed after tornado sucked their CAR into the air …as storms rip through the heart of the US and places 32 million Americans under alert

A powerful tornado ripped through western Oklahoma, lifting a vehicle into the air and killing a teacher and her teenage daughter.

Jodie Owens, 47, and her 13-year-old daughter, Lexi, were found dead inside their minivan late Thursday night at a highway intersection outside Fairview in Major County, authorities said.

Authorities believe the deaths were caused by the deadly tornado, where a powerful storm system is still battering parts of the country, bringing devastating winds, large hail and multiple tornadoes across the region.

Nearly 32 million Americans are currently under some form of extreme weather warning as forecasters track volatile weather from North Texas to the Great Lakes.

More than seven million people are in the highest threat zone for severe weather covering parts of Missouri, Oklahoma and Nebraska; About 25 million people are at risk in a broader area that includes Dallas, Oklahoma City and Milwaukee.

In Michigan, at least four people died after a major tornado ripped through the Union Lake area, about 125 miles west of Detroit, on Friday.

Authorities are warning of tennis ball-sized hail and deadly winds and urging residents to prepare shelter plans and follow warnings.

‘The greatest potential for a few strong tornadoes and very large hail should exist in eastern Oklahoma/Kansas/Nebraska, western Arkansas/Missouri and southern Iowa,’ an alert from the National Weather Service said.

The storm in western Oklahoma kicked up debris and dirt. Tornado warnings issued in surrounding states

Video taken by a first responder near Fairview showed lightning illuminating a large funnel cloud that appeared to extend towards the ground

Storms ripped through Oklahoma late Thursday, and tornado warnings were issued in several states as conditions primed the atmosphere for violent rotation.

In dramatic video of a first responder driving into a thunderstorm near Fairview in western Oklahoma, lightning was seen illuminating a massive funnel cloud that appeared to extend toward the ground.

The family said Owens died while calling his other children at home for shelter.

“They are wonderful people and everyone who knows them will be devastated by this news,” Jodie’s brother Justin Zonts said. COPD.

‘I feel like I’m watching a movie. It feels like I just watched a movie. “I still don’t believe it’s real,” he added.

According to family members, Jodie noticed severe weather approaching as she and Lexi were returning home.

“He could see a storm was coming,” Zonts said. ‘He called his kids, who were still at home, and said, ‘Hey, you need to go into the basement.’ That’s when he was actually shot.”

‘He was talking on the phone to his daughter who heard the last screams of her mother and sisters. Before the line went dead.’

Authorities told residents to stay home as harsh weather conditions such as damaging winds, hail and floods will continue until the weekend.

Nearly 32 million Americans are currently under some form of extreme weather warning as forecasters track volatile weather from North Texas to the Great Lakes.

The mother and daughter were found late Thursday night near a highway interchange outside the town of Fairview.

The storm that killed the mother and daughter was so big and the lightning was so bright that the entire night sky was illuminated.

Jodie’s husband notified law enforcement and helped organize a desperate search.

“No father, no sister, no brother should have to go through this, and their children should not have to go through this,” Zonts said.

Jodie Owens was a substitute teacher and a pillar of the Fairview school community.

According to relatives, she was a mother of eight, grandmother of four and was eagerly awaiting the birth of another grandchild, expected on May 1.

His sister, Janelle, described the magnitude of the loss: GoFundMe Page created to support the family.

‘If you knew Jodie you’d know she never wanted anything for herself. She was always there in the PTA, in the school band, on the drums, cheering on Lexi, at church, in front of everyone in her neighborhood. “He loved God, he loved his family, and he loved his community deeply,” Janelle wrote.

‘Please, if there is anything you can give it will go directly to helping David and these children. And if you can’t, please share this.’

‘This family has given so much to so many people. They need us now.’

Friday night $65,000 was raised to support the family.

The storm emerged on Thursday, but meteorologists warned the worst weather could occur on Friday

Storm and tornado warnings were also issued in Three Rivers, Michigan, where damage from high winds was visible throughout town.

Drone images taken from the region showed the destruction left by the storm, as well as images of emergency vehicles responding to the damage.

Menard’s store in Three Rivers suffered extensive damage and a collapsed structure following the severe storm.

Zonts said his sister lived for her children and their activities.

‘He’s there for his children,’ he said. ‘He’s in the PTA. He goes to every event. He worked on fundraisers for his son, who was in the high school band in Fairview.

‘She does everything to be there in any way possible so that her children can be lifted up no matter what.’

He remembered Lexi as lively and cheerful.

‘Lexi is just a sweet little soul, just happy, full of life, full of energy and personality,’ he said.

The tornado that killed them moved for miles, knocking down power lines and damaging structures, carving a path of destruction through the county.

Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt acknowledged the tragedy in a press release.

“Severe weather hit Major County last night, tragically claiming the lives of a mother and daughter,” Stitt said. X.

He added: ‘I pray for the family who are grieving this tragic loss and for everyone affected by the storm. More weather risks are expected across Oklahoma this weekend. To keep your family safe, please pay attention to the weather and follow the instructions of local authorities.’

The First Congregational Church in Union City, Michigan, was also damaged. Municipal authorities called on citizens not to travel unnecessarily.

A total of three tornadoes were reported in the Union City and Three Rivers area. At least four people died

More than a dozen injuries were also reported in Michigan, according to state officials.

Union City officials said the storm caused significant damage and emergency responders are already working to clean up

Warm Gulf air is rising northward and colliding with cooler Canadian air behind advancing fronts, meteorologists said.

‘This is probably our first real event this season that people are really starting to pay attention to as we head into spring storm season,’ said Melissa Mayes, deputy director of the Washington County Emergency Management Agency in Bartlesville.

The deadly storm was part of a broader outbreak roaring across the Plains as meteorologists warned the system could intensify.

At least two tornadoes were reported in Michigan on Friday. High winds began to blow in Union City and Three Rivers, and St. A third tornado has been reported possible in Joseph County.

Three people died 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 teams and emergency response teams started working to clear the debris.

Locals have been asked to stay indoors and avoid unnecessary travel.

Cass County officials reported one death and several injuries about 50 miles southwest.

More updates will be posted as information becomes available.