UNION CITY, MI (WTVB) – A tornado struck the Union Lake area Friday afternoon, leaving three people dead and twelve others injured.
Emergency officials confirmed that as of 8:00 p.m., three of the injured had been transported to local hospitals for treatment.
Local police, fire, and utility crews are currently on-site conducting recovery operations, though their efforts are complicated by widespread debris, downed power lines, and significant damage to local infrastructure.
(Video courtesy Ben Chard)
Sheriff Fred Blankenship is urging the public to stay away from the affected neighborhoods to ensure emergency personnel can work safely.
Residents should prepare for ongoing power outages and communication disruptions as more severe weather is possible through Saturday morning.
Officials advise everyone in the region to remain sheltered and monitor local news for updates as the full extent of the damage is assessed.
Cass County officials say one person was confirmed dead after a tornado in the Edwardsburg area, and several were injured.
The strong storms and tornadoes also knocked out power to thousands.
Consumers Energy set up a mobile command center in Union City Friday night to help coordinate their response. They hope to start restoring power to customers overnight.
Some 2,200 Consumers Energy Calhoun County customers are without power, also.
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