UNION CITY MICHIGAN, At least three people have died and 12 others were injured after a powerful tornado tore through Union City on Friday, according to the Branch County Sheriff’s Office.
The tornado caused widespread destruction across parts of southern Michigan, leaving significant damage in and around Union City in Branch County. Authorities and storm observers reported multiple fatalities and extensive structural damage following the severe weather event.
Emergency crews, storm chasers, and residents described scenes of devastation after what officials believe was a large and powerful tornado struck the area during a severe weather outbreak that affected several parts of the state.
The tornado reportedly touched down near Union Lake. Witnesses described the storm as a massive wedge tornado, a type of tornado that appears wider than it is tall and is often associated with the most destructive storms.
Homes were flattened, buildings were heavily damaged, and debris was scattered across neighborhoods as the tornado carved a destructive path through the community. Initial reports from storm chasers suggested damage consistent with at least EF-3 intensity, with estimated wind speeds exceeding 150 miles per hour.
Several neighborhoods experienced severe damage, with some homes reportedly reduced to their foundations.
Videos shared online showed the tornado moving through residential areas, damaging structures and uprooting trees.
First responders, volunteers, and residents quickly began assisting those affected. Storm chasers tracking the storm said they paused their pursuit to help rescue individuals trapped in debris and damaged buildings.
Community members also joined rescue efforts, with volunteers helping search through damaged areas to assist victims.
Rescue operations were complicated by dangerous conditions in some areas. Responders reported a propane tank leak and live electrical wires, forcing some volunteers to temporarily move away from certain parts of the disaster zone for safety.
Authorities confirmed that multiple people died as a result of the tornado, though officials have not yet released an official death toll beyond the initial reports. There are also unconfirmed reports of additional individuals missing as search and rescue operations continue.
Emergency crews are continuing to search through damaged neighborhoods to locate survivors and account for residents who may still be trapped.
The tornado was part of a larger severe weather outbreak that moved across southern Michigan and neighboring states Friday afternoon.
Severe thunderstorm warnings were also issued in northern Indiana, including Porter County and Lake County, while a severe thunderstorm watch extended across several counties in Illinois and Indiana as the storm system moved east.
Meteorologists said the storm that produced the tornado developed in an environment with strong atmospheric instability. Energy and rotation along a warm front helped intensify the storm quickly, creating conditions capable of producing a powerful tornado.
Preliminary observations from meteorologists and storm chasers suggest the tornado may rank among the strongest to strike Michigan in decades. Experts noted that damage surveys by the National Weather Service will determine the official tornado rating in the coming days.
In addition to Union City, nearby communities including Three Rivers, Niles, and Edwardsburg also reported storm damage as the system moved through the region.
Power companies have deployed crews to assess damage and begin restoring electricity, though officials warned that recovery efforts could take time due to the extent of the destruction.
Local organizations and volunteers have begun organizing relief efforts to assist residents affected by the storm.
Donation drives and supply collections are also being coordinated to support families who lost homes or belongings.
Authorities are urging residents to remain alert as additional severe weather could still affect the region.
Emergency crews continue to search damaged areas and gather information about those impacted, with further updates expected as recovery and damage assessments continue.
