Deadly Storm Leaves Four Dead Across Three Counties

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has formally requested a major federal disaster declaration from President Donald Trump following the deadly tornadoes that struck southwest Michigan on March 6, marking the state's deadliest weather event in nearly 50 years.

The storm killed four people and destroyed homes and businesses across Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties. If approved, the declaration would activate federal Individual Assistance programs to help residents with temporary housing, home repairs, and other recovery needs.

"These tornadoes brought heartbreaking loss and widespread destruction to Southwest Michigan," Whitmer said in a statement. "Michigan families have lost loved ones, homes and businesses."

Three Deaths in Union City, One in Cass County

An EF-3 tornado with winds of at least 165 mph tore through the Union City area in Branch County, killing three adults and injuring 12 others. The most severe damage occurred along Prairie Rose Lane in Sherwood Township, where a home was ripped from its foundation.

In Cass County, an EF-1 tornado struck Edwardsburg, resulting in the death of a 12-year-old boy. The storm chaser who documented the deadly tornado reflected on the devastation left behind in communities across the region.

EF-2 and EF-0 Tornadoes Also Caused Damage

An EF-2 tornado with winds of at least 130 mph slammed Three Rivers in St. Joseph County, damaging numerous commercial structures in the area of U.S. Highway 131 and West Broadway Street. An EF-0 tornado with peak winds around 85 mph swept through Clarendon Township in Calhoun County, causing slight damage to some structures.

"Families lost loved ones, children lost parents, and entire neighborhoods lost their sense of security. Our communities need help now, and federal assistance is critical to make sure residents can repair their homes, find temporary housing, and begin to recover," Whitmer said.

Preliminary Damage Assessment Confirms Need for Federal Aid

A joint Preliminary Damage Assessment conducted on March 17 confirmed the destruction meets federal thresholds for assistance. The assessment found:

• 33 homes destroyed
• 74 homes with major damage
• 207 homes with minor damage

About 100 households may qualify for temporary housing assistance, 67 for housing repair assistance, and eight for housing replacement aid. However, officials warn these numbers may "severely underestimate" the true impact on individuals and houses.

Estimated Need for $1.4 Million in Federal Aid

Whitmer's request estimates that the three counties need about $1.4 million in federal Individual Assistance and housing aid grants, including:

• Approximately $201,000 for temporary housing assistance
• $497,000 for repair assistance
• $385,000 for replacement assistance
• $454,000 for other needs assistance

The letter estimates that roughly $1.4 million in federal assistance is needed to support recovery, including funds for temporary housing, repairs, and other needs.

"I declared a state of emergency, but our work is just beginning," Whitmer said. "As we wrap our arms around the affected communities, we are requesting federal assistance to ensure those affected have the resources they need to recover. Let's keep working together to keep people safe and help Michiganders rebuild."

Congressman Walberg Supports Request

U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, who spent multiple days on the ground with officials after the tornadoes, supported the governor's request.

"The devastation across our district from the recent tornadoes has been profound, and many of our neighbors are facing tremendous loss," Walberg said. "This critical step ensures our communities can access the resources they need to rebuild and have the tools necessary to support long-term recovery."

State Police Emergency Management Director Emphasizes Need for Federal Support

Col. James F. Grady II, director of Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security, said federal support is essential to help residents stabilize and recover.

"Federal support is essential to help residents stabilize and recover," Grady said.

State Has Already Declared Emergency

Whitmer declared a state of emergency on March 8, opening state aid to local governments. The state has been working to support affected communities, but officials say the scale of damage exceeds what state and local resources can handle alone.

"The state has already declared an emergency, but federal assistance is critical to support long-term rebuilding efforts," Whitmer noted.

FEMA Review Underway

The Federal Emergency Management Agency is now reviewing the state's disaster declaration request and will advise the president on whether to grant it. The final decision rests with President Trump.

"We're grateful for the governor's concern and hopeful the president will carefully review what's been presented," Branch County Emergency Manager Tim Miner said. "The declaration could shift in our direction help that would be beneficial for the communities."

No Timeline Set for President's Decision

No timeline has been set for the president's decision, though Miner expressed hope that it comes quickly to help communities begin recovery efforts.

Community Cleanup Ongoing

Cleanup continues across the affected areas as residents work to restore their homes and communities. The storm marked Michigan's deadliest weather event in nearly 50 years, with the greatest concentration of damage along and just south of Hull Road in Van Buren Township.

Tornado Warnings Come After NWS Investigation

The tornado warnings came after the National Weather Service hadn't issued a tornado watch ahead of the storms. Whitmer's office asked for an investigation into why the NWS missed the warning, hinting at the notion that federal budget cutbacks at the National Weather Service may have had an impact.

Communities Now Waiting for Federal Response

The three affected counties—Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph—are now awaiting the federal response. Officials emphasize that federal assistance is critical to ensure residents have the resources needed to rebuild and recover from this devastating weather event.