By Michigan Capitol Staff

In a rare bipartisan display of urgency, Michigan's congressional delegation and Governor Gretchen Whitmer are pressing President Donald Trump for a major federal disaster declaration to aid southwest Michigan communities devastated by tornadoes on March 6.

The March 6 outbreak marked Michigan's deadliest weather event in nearly 50 years, with four tornadoes striking Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties, killing four people and causing widespread destruction.

The Damage

State officials have determined that across the three affected counties, 33 homes were completely destroyed, 74 sustained major damage, and 207 suffered minor damage. Approximately 100 households may qualify for temporary housing assistance, 67 for housing repair assistance, and eight for housing replacement aid.

Governor Whitmer wrote in her request that these numbers "severely underestimate" the full impact on individuals and houses. She estimated the counties need about $1.4 million in federal individual and housing aid grants, including roughly $201,000 for temporary housing assistance, $497,000 for repair assistance, $385,000 for replacement assistance, and $454,000 for other needs assistance.

"The state, county, and local governments stepped up to meet this disaster with all available resources and authorities," Whitmer wrote. "Emergency first responders including brave volunteers, EMS, Michigan Task Force 1, and the Michigan State Police have been working on the ground since the event, providing lifesaving assistance despite communication disruptions. However, federal assistance will also be required to help the community fully recover."

The Tornadoes

The National Weather Service confirmed four tornadoes struck southwest Michigan on the afternoon of March 6:

  • An EF3 tornado with winds of roughly 160 miles per hour tore through the Union City area in Branch County, injuring 12 people and killing three
  • 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 Request

Whitmer declared a state emergency on March 8 and has now formally requested a major disaster declaration from President Trump. If approved, the declaration would activate Individual Assistance programs for Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties, providing direct help to residents through:

  • Grants for temporary housing and essential home repairs
  • Low-interest loans for uninsured or underinsured property losses
  • Financial assistance to help families replace essential belongings
  • Support programs for individuals and small businesses working to recover

A joint Preliminary Damage Assessment conducted on March 17 confirmed the destruction meets federal thresholds, according to Whitmer. The Federal Emergency Management Agency is currently reviewing the state's request and will advise the president on whether to grant it.

Bipartisan Support

Four Michigan lawmakers have joined the governor in calling for federal aid. U.S. Senators Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) and Gary Peters (D-MI), along with U.S. Representatives Tim Walberg (R-MI-05) and Bill Huizenga (R-MI-04), wrote a letter supporting Whitmer's request.

"We write to support Governor Whitmer's recent request for a Major Disaster declaration, including activation of all Individual Assistance programs, for the counties of Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph in addition to Hazard Mitigation Grant Program funding," the lawmakers wrote. "We ask that you approve this declaration as soon as possible to direct federal resources towards the site of destruction caused by four tornadoes ranging from EF-0 to EF-3, which significantly damaged homes and businesses in the area."

U.S. Rep. Tim Walberg, R-Tipton, echoed the sentiment: "I've seen firsthand the destruction and the heartbreak. Neighbors are facing tremendous loss, and this request is about making sure they're not left to recover on their own."

State Resources Strained

Whitmer noted that the damage from the southwest Michigan tornadoes, combined with a rash of other severe weather events over the past two years, has put significant strain on state aid resources. She highlighted the challenge of managing these disasters in light of an expected state budget shortfall.

"I have determined that this incident is of such severity and magnitude that effective recovery is beyond the capabilities of the state of Michigan and the affected county and municipal governments, and that supplemental federal relief assistance is necessary," the governor wrote.

What's Next

No timeline has been set for President Trump's decision. Col. James F. Grady II, director of Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security, said federal support is essential to help residents stabilize and recover.

Branch County Emergency Manager Tim Miner expressed hope that the declaration comes quickly: "We're grateful for the governor's concern and hopeful the president will carefully review what's been presented. The declaration could shift in our direction help that would be beneficial for the communities."

The governor continues to direct state agencies to assist affected residents while waiting for federal approval. State emergency management officials are working closely with local governments to coordinate relief efforts and ensure that vulnerable populations have access to the resources they need.

Sources

  • Governor Whitmer's Office: https://www.michigan.gov/whitmer/news/press-releases/2026/04/02/whitmer-seeks-presidential-disaster-declaration-to-help-southwest-michigan-recover-from-tornadoes
  • The Daily Reporter: https://www.thedailyreporter.com/story/weather/severe/2026/04/01/michigan-governor-seeks-federal-help-for-march-6-tornado-victims/89425519007/
  • WILX: https://wilx.com/2026/04/01/governor-whitmer-makes-appointments-jackson-co-bench
  • Senator Elissa Slotkin's Office: https://slotkin.senate.gov/2026/04/03/slotkin-peters-walberg-and-huizenga-call-on-president-trump-to-deliver-aid-to-michigan-communities-impacted-by-deadly-tornadoes
  • WWMT: https://wwmt.com/news/state/west-mi-lawmakers-urge-president-trump-declare-major-disaster-tornado-struck-areas-peters-slotkin-walberg-huizenga-whitmer
  • The Detroit News: https://eu.detroitnews.com/story/news/local/michigan/2026/04/01/whitmer-asks-trump-for-disaster-declaration-after-deadly-southwest-michigan-tornadoes-union-lake/89426105007