NILES, MI (WTVB0 – The National Weather Service say three EF-1 tornadoes hit Berrien and Cass Counties on Tuesday night. The twisters hit Niles, Dowagiac, and Vandalia.
The same line of storms eventually led to a tornado warning being issued in Branch County just before 10:00 p.m. when National Weather Service forecasters determined a line of severe thunderstorms were capable of producing a tornado and straight line winds. Radar also indicated rotation.
Extensive damage was reported in a five block area of Niles. No injuries were reported.
Since 1950, there had been just one tornado in Michigan during February. It happened near Detroit in 1974.
No injuries were reported from the three tornados which were spawned during a 15 minute period starting at around 9:00 p.m. Damage was reported to trees, houses and vehicles.
