Whitmer seeks federal aid for southwest Michigan after 4 killed in deadliest tornado event in nearly 5 decades
Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has requested that President Trump declare a major disaster for southwest Michigan after tornadoes in March killed four people, marking the deadliest tornado event in the state in nearly five decades.
The request follows multiple tornado touchdowns on March 6, which struck communities in Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties. The tornadoes ranged in intensity from EF-0 to EF-3, damaging or destroying numerous homes and businesses, overturning vehicles and causing widespread power outages.
"These tornadoes brought heartbreaking loss and widespread destruction to Southwest Michigan," Whitmer said. "Michigan families have lost loved ones, homes and businesses."
Whitmer cited the EF-3 tornado with winds of at least 165 mph that tore through Union City in Branch County, killing three adults. In Cass County, a 12-year-old child died in the storm.
In the immediate aftermath of the tornadoes, Whitmer's office asked for an investigation into why the National Weather Service hadn't issued a tornado watch ahead of the storms, hinting at the notion that federal budget cutbacks at the National Weather Service may have had an impact.
Whitmer declared a state of emergency for the three counties in the immediate aftermath of the storm, authorizing state resources for response and recovery efforts.
The governor has requested activation of all areas of the Individual Assistance program for Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties. If granted, that assistance may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and businesses recover.
Rep. Tim Walberg said he spent multiple days on the ground with officials after the tornadoes.
"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."
Whitmer's request will be reviewed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which will advise Mr. Trump on whether a disaster declaration is warranted. The final decision rests with the president.
The March 6 tornadoes included an EF-2 tornado with winds of at least 130 mph that touched down in Three Rivers, damaging a number of commercial structures in the area of U.S. Highway 131 and West Broadway Street. An EF-0 tornado with peak winds of around 85 mph swept through Clarendon Township in Calhoun County, slightly damaging some structures.
