Michigan Governor Declares State of Emergency After Deadly Tornadoes Kill 4 in Southwest Michigan

Whitmer authorizes state resources to aid recovery efforts in 3 counties impacted by severe storms

Published on Mar. 8, 2026

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Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency for three southwest Michigan counties following a tornado outbreak that killed at least 4 people and caused widespread damage across the region. The declaration covers Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties and authorizes the use of all available state resources to support local response and recovery operations.

Why it matters

This declaration will unlock state funding and resources to help the impacted communities recover from the devastating tornadoes, which included an EF-3 tornado that struck Union City and was the deadliest in Michigan since 1980. The state is working to assess the full extent of the damage and provide assistance to residents and local governments.

The details

Three people were killed when an EF-3 tornado struck Union City in Branch County, and a fourth person was killed by a separate tornado in Cass County. The National Weather Service said the Union City tornado is the deadliest tornado in Michigan since 1980. Governor Whitmer plans to tour the impacted areas with the Michigan State Police to assess the damage.

  • The tornadoes struck on March 6, 2026.
  • Governor Whitmer declared the state of emergency on March 8, 2026.

The players

Governor Gretchen Whitmer

The governor of Michigan who declared the state of emergency in response to the deadly tornadoes.

Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II

The lieutenant governor of Michigan who said state and local partners have been working through the night to respond to the storms.

Col. James F. Grady II

The director of the Michigan State Police and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security, who said troopers were among the first to respond when the tornadoes touched down.

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What they’re saying

“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. 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.”

— Governor Gretchen Whitmer (fox47news.com)

“We have been closely coordinating with local and state partners to assess damage and support communities impacted by the severe weather across southwest Michigan. 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.”

— Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II (fox47news.com)

“Michigan State Police troopers were among the first to respond when tornadoes touched down in these communities. 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.”

— Col. James F. Grady II, Director of the Michigan State Police and State Director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security (fox47news.com)

What’s next

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The takeaway

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