LANSING, MI (WTVB) – Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) Friday following a wave of severe weather that produced at least two confirmed tornadoes and widespread damage and deaths across several counties.
The Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) reported that the storms caused significant wind damage and injuries in Branch, Cass , and St. Joseph counties.
Videos from Three Rivers and Union City captured the moments tornadoes touched down, leaving behind a trail of damaged homes, businesses, and debris.
In a statement Whitmer said “Tonight, I am activating our State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate an all-hands-on-deck response to severe weather in southwestern Michigan,” Governor Whitmer stated in a social media post. “By taking this action, we can ensure the state can monitor and respond to local requests”.
Current Emergency Status:
SEOC Level: Activated at Level 3 (monitoring status). Response Efforts: Personnel are currently coordinating with local officials and private sector partners to fulfill resource requests as they arise.
On-the-Ground Support: MSP/EMHSD district coordinators have been deployed to the affected areas to assist local emergency operation centers.
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