Federal Disaster Aid Opens Door to Low-Interest Loans for Tornado Victims

LANSING, Mich. — Governor Gretchen Whitmer has requested a federal major disaster declaration for three southwest Michigan counties in the wake of deadly tornadoes that claimed four lives and destroyed dozens of homes.

If President Donald Trump approves the request, residents and businesses in Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties could access low-interest disaster loans to cover uninsured property losses. The loans would complement grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and other recovery assistance.

The tornadoes struck on March 6, marking the deadliest weather event in Michigan in nearly 50 years. Four tornadoes ranging from EF-0 to EF-3 intensity impacted communities near Edwardsburg, Three Rivers, Union City, and other areas across the three counties.

These tornadoes brought heartbreaking loss and widespread destruction to Southwest Michigan, Governor Whitmer said. Michigan families have lost loved ones, homes and businesses. I declared a state of emergency, but our work is just beginning.

The storms killed a 12-year-old boy in Cass County and three adults in Union City. An EF-3 tornado with winds reaching 160 miles per hour devastated parts of Union City in Branch County, where 12 people were injured. An EF-1 tornado hit Edwardsburg in Cass County, resulting in the death of a 12-year-old. An EF-2 tornado struck Three Rivers in St. Joseph County, and an EF-0 tornado touched down in Clarendon Township in Calhoun County.

State emergency officials conducted a preliminary damage assessment on March 17 after finding the damage met federal thresholds. The assessment identified 33 homes destroyed, 74 with major damage, and 207 with minor damage across the three counties.

These communities need the additional support that a federal disaster declaration provides, Senator Debbie Peters said. Governor Whitmer and I are working hard to ensure that Michiganders get the assistance they deserve as they work to rebuild and recover from these devastating storms.

The governor requested activation of all areas of the Individual Assistance program for Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties. Individual assistance could provide grants for temporary housing and home repairs, along with low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses.

The governor estimated the counties needed approximately $1.4 million in federal individual and housing aid grants, including roughly $201,000 for temporary housing, $497,000 for repair assistance, $385,000 for replacement assistance, and $454,000 for other needs.

From the moment the storm hit, local and state partners worked side by side to protect lives and begin response and recovery operations, Col. James F. Grady II said. While significant progress has been made, the scope of damage requires federal support to ensure families can rebuild.

The governor's request will be reviewed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency, which will advise President Trump on whether a disaster declaration is warranted. The final decision rests with the president.

Disaster Recovery Timeline

  • March 6: Four tornadoes hit southwest Michigan, killing four people and causing widespread damage
  • March 17: Joint preliminary damage assessment conducted with local, state, and federal officials
  • April 1: Governor Whitmer requests federal disaster declaration
  • Pending: FEMA review and presidential decision on disaster declaration

The damage from the southwest Michigan tornadoes has strained state emergency resources, especially amid an expected state budget shortfall. Governor Whitmer wrote that the 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.

Local and state officials say recovery will take time, with significant damage to homes, businesses, and infrastructure across the region.