Four Deaths, Dozens of Homes Damaged in March Storm

Three counties in southwest Michigan are now eligible for federal disaster assistance after tornadoes on March 6 killed four people and destroyed dozens of homes.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer requested a presidential disaster declaration for Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties. The tornadoes claimed four lives and damaged or destroyed numerous homes and businesses across the region.

The storm marked the state's deadliest weather event in nearly 50 years, according to officials.

What Happened

Four tornadoes hit southwest Michigan on the afternoon of March 6. The National Weather Service confirmed each one:

  • An EF3 tornado with winds of roughly 160 miles per hour tore through the Union City area in Branch County. The storm injured 12 people and killed three adults.
  • An EF1 tornado hit Edwardsburg in Cass County, resulting in the death of a 12-year-old boy.
  • An EF2 tornado with winds of at least 130 miles per hour slammed Three Rivers in St. Joseph County.
  • An EF0 tornado with winds peaking at about 85 mph touched down in Clarendon Township in Calhoun County.

The tornadoes damaged or destroyed numerous homes and businesses, overturned vehicles, and sheared trees. The storm also caused significant power outages across the region.

Damage Assessment

Local, state, and federal officials conducted a preliminary damage assessment on March 17 to validate the most severely affected areas. The findings showed:

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

Across the three counties, the impact extended to hundreds of residents. The governor's letter estimated the counties needed about $1.4 million in federal individual and housing aid grants.

Federal Assistance Requested

If granted, the Individual Assistance program could provide:

  • Grants for temporary housing and home repairs
  • Low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses
  • Other programs to help individuals and businesses recover

The governor requested activation of all areas of the Individual Assistance program for Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties. The final decision rests with President Donald Trump after FEMA reviews the request.

Political Response

U.S. Senator Gary Peters stated the communities have shown remarkable resilience but need the additional support that a federal disaster declaration provides. U.S. Representative Tim Walberg said the critical step ensures communities can access resources needed to rebuild.

State of Emergency

Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency after the storm. In a statement, she said: "I declared a state of emergency, but our work is just beginning. 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."

The damage from the southwest Michigan tornadoes, combined with other severe weather events over the past two years, has put strain on state aid resources. The governor wrote that effective recovery is beyond the capabilities of state and local governments alone.

What Comes Next

The Federal Emergency Management Agency will review the state's disaster declaration request and advise the president on whether to grant it. In addition to grants for home repairs or temporary housing, individual assistance could take the form of low-interest loans to cover uninsured property or business recovery.

The governor's request will be reviewed by FEMA, which will advise President Trump on whether a disaster declaration is warranted.

Impact on Families

About 100 households may qualify for temporary housing assistance, 67 for housing repair assistance and eight for housing replacement aid. But those numbers may severely underestimate the impact on individuals and houses.

The storm brought heartbreaking loss and widespread destruction to Southwest Michigan. Michigan families lost loved ones, homes and businesses. The work to rebuild is just beginning.