Volunteers look at storm damage after a suspected tornado hit the area a day earlier, in Union City Mich., Saturday, March 7, 2026. (AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh)

LANSING – Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties to assist with response and recovery efforts related to a deadly tornado outbreak in southwest Michigan.

“This morning, I’ve declared a state of emergency for Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties. This state of emergency declaration will ensure that every state resource is available to assist in recovery efforts from the devastating tornadoes on Friday,” said Governor Whitmer. “Our entire state is wrapping its arms around Three Rivers, Union City, Edwardsburg, and everywhere in between. Our hearts are with the families who lost loved ones and the Michiganders who were injured. I will be joining the Michigan State Police today to tour the impacted areas and assess the damage. We will get through this together.”

“We have been closely coordinating with local and state partners to assess damage and support communities impacted by the severe weather across southwest Michigan,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “I’m grateful to the first responders, emergency managers, and public works crews working through the night to keep Michiganders safe. Thank you for your dedication and swift action during this challenging weather.”

On March 6, multiple tornadoes touched down across the region, causing widespread damage, injuries and loss of life. Three people were killed when an EF-3 tornado struck Union City in Branch County.

According to the National Weather Service, it is the deadliest tornado in Michigan since 1980. Another tornado in Cass County claimed one life.

“Michigan State Police troopers were among the first to respond when tornadoes touched down in these communities,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police (MSP) and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “I am proud of the work our enlisted and civilian members are doing alongside local partners as MSP continues to support response and recovery efforts. Our teams are coordinating through the State Emergency Operations Center and working around the clock to ensure all local needs are met.”

By declaring a state of emergency, the governor has authorized the use of all available state resources to assist local response and recovery operations in the affected counties. The MSP Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (EMHSD) is coordinating the state’s emergency response through the State Emergency Operations Center.

The declaration also allows eligible communities to seek financial assistance under Section 19 of Michigan’s Emergency Management Act (Public Act 390 of 1976, as amended). The funding helps local governments cover emergency response costs and repair public infrastructure damaged by the storms.

Additional state and federal disaster assistance programs may also be pursued as damage assessments continue.