4 Dead, A Dozen Injured As Suspected Tornadoes Hit Southwest Michigan

UNION LAKE, MI — Four people were killed as suspected tornadoes touched down in southwest Michigan, officials confirmed Friday night.

Three people were killed and a dozen more injured, including three who were hospitalized, in an apparent tornado in the Union Lake area, according to the Branch County Sheriff’s Office.

Emergency crews were actively working to assess damage and clear affected areas.

"Our thoughts are with those who have lost family, friends, and property during this incident," the sheriff’s office said. Sheriff Frederick Blankenship urged residents to avoid affected areas to allow emergency personnel to conduct response and recovery operations.

A fourth person was killed in the Edwardsburg area, and several people were injured, Cass County Sheriff Clint Roach confirmed.

There, the sheriff’s office issued an alert notifying residents of a local state of emergency. Cass County emergency personnel are working to clear debris and provide support to those affected by a tornado that touched down, officials said.

Cass County Emergency Manager Manny DeLaRosa said multiple large structures, including homes and pole barns, sustained damage ranging from major structural impact to complete destruction.

Numerous trees had fallen onto roads and buildings, and more than 500 residents were without power.

The American Red Cross was on site Friday evening and will return Saturday to provide additional assistance, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office said.

Residents should expect to see emergency management personnel conducting damage assessments in the affected area as required by the State of Michigan, officials said. Emergency management personnel will be wearing yellow vests and identify themselves as Cass County Emergency Management staff, officials said.

In Branch County, Blankenship asked residents to follow safety precautions, avoid traveling through affected areas, avoid downed power lines and fallen trees, and stay away from damaged or unstable structures.

Residents should expect ongoing power outages, closed roads, and possible cellular and internet service interruptions, officials said.

A tornado also touched down near 131 in the Three Rivers area and moved northeast, according to Constantine Fire Department officials.

Video posted to social media showed a twister ripping the roof off a Menards store and pulling apart a storage unit in the area.

Three Rivers Community Schools delayed dismissal and kept students inside until at least 4:25 p.m.

"Please note that there is damage throughout the surrounding area and bus drop off will be delayed. We hope all are safe and appreciate your patience during this period of severe weather," officials said in a social media post.

With additional severe weather possible overnight through Saturday morning, residents were urged to seek shelter and continue monitoring weather and news sources for updates