UNION CITY, MI (WTVB) – The National Weather Service has confirmed an **EF3** tornado with estimated peak winds of 160 mph struck the Union Lake and Union City area in Branch County,, on March 6,
The violent twister touched down at 4:33 p.m. EST approximately 2 miles south-southeast of Athens in northwest Branch County, near the intersection of Blossom Road and Mendon Road. It rapidly intensified into a multi-vortex wedge tornado, carving a path of destruction northeastward for 5.23 miles with a maximum width of 500 yards.
The tornado dissipated at 4:42 p.m. EST about 1 mile east-northeast of Union City, near the Branch-Calhoun county line. Tragically, the storm claimed 3 lives and caused 12 injuries, marking it as the most intense and deadly tornado from a cyclic supercell that afternoon.
The tornado produced its most severe damage northwest of Union Lake and along Prairie Rose Lane, where every residence suffered heavy damage or total destruction. A well-anchored manufactured home was lofted and hurled approximately 100 yards, severely twisting its frame, while numerous vehicles were tossed like toys. Ground scouring was evident in fields, and a 500-gallon propane tank was displaced into one nearby field. Peak intensity of 160 mph occurred near the corner of Tuttle Road and Prairie Rose Lane, where a two-story block home was completely obliterated. Drone footage and multiple photographs captured the tornado’s dramatic evolution and impact. Older building codes and construction quality in the area limited higher ratings despite the extreme damage observed.
As the tornado tracked northeast toward Union City, it weakened but still inflicted EF1 to EF2 damage before lifting.
The National Weather Service Northern Indiana office, aided by Quick Response Team experts, conducted thorough surveys, including analysis of video, drone imagery, and on-site assessments, to determine the EF3 rating.
This event underscores the dangers of early-season severe weather in southern Michigan, and recovery efforts continue in the hardest-hit neighborhoods around Union Lake and Prairie Rose Lane.
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