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

“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.”

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On March 6, multiple tornadoes touched down across the region, causing widespread damage, injuries and loss of life. Three people died 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.

The emergency declaration means the governor has authorized the use of all available state resources to assist local response and recovery operations in the affected counties.