Shondalee Stuster

U.S.

Central Command said Saturday in a social media post that about 3,500 sailors and Marines arrived in the Middle East aboard the USS Tripoli.

The 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, based in Okinawa, Japan, arrived in the Middle East on Friday, the Post said.

The unit also has transport and strike fighter aircraft, as well as amphibious assault and tactical assets.

U.S.

Central Command did not say what mission the unit will be carrying out.

At least 2,000 additional soldiers have been ordered to deploy to the Middle East, where the U.S.

already has 40,000 to 50,000 troops.

Shondalese Duster, NPR News.

In Michigan, the Branch County Sheriff's Office on Friday said three people had been killed and 12 people were injured because of a tornado.

And in Cass County, officials say one person was killed and several people were injured.

A 12-year-old boy is among the dead.

And in Oklahoma, officials in Begg say two people have also died.

The National Weather Service says at least six tornadoes touched down across both states on Friday.

Local and state of emergencies have been declared in Oklahoma and Michigan because of the tornadoes.

Officials say they are continuing to assess damage from the tornadoes and are searching through debris.

Shondalese Duster, NPR News.

Blizzard warnings are in effect along the East Coast, including for New York City through Monday afternoon.

National Weather Service meteorologist Cody Snell said during a briefing Sunday that there could be at least 18 inches to two feet of snow up through Massachusetts.

Emergencies have been declared in multiple states, including Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Connecticut, and Massachusetts.