WILX: Whitmer requests presidential disaster declaration after March tornadoes in Southwest Michigan

Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has requested President Donald Trump to declare a major disaster in response to multiple tornadoes that touched down in Southwest Michigan last month.

In total, four people were killed and several others were injured when four tornadoes — ranging from EF-0 to EF-3 — touched down in Edwardsburg, Three Rivers and Union City on Friday, March 6. It was the deadliest tornado event in Michigan in nearly five decades, according to Whitmer’s office.

Whitmer declared a state of emergency in the area in the days after the tornadoes, but is now asking for further assistance from the federal government.

“These tornadoes brought heartbreaking loss and widespread destruction to Southwest Michigan,” Whitmer said, per a press release. “Michigan families have lost loved ones, homes and businesses. I declared a state of emergency, but our work is just beginning. As we wrap our arms around the affected communities, we are requesting federal assistance to ensure those affected have the resources they need to recover. Let’s keep working together to keep people safe and help Michiganders rebuild.”

Whitmer has requested activation of all areas of the Individual Assistance (IA) program Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph. Counties.

A joint Preliminary Damage Assessment with local, state, and federal officials was conducted on March 17 to assess and validate the most severely affected areas. Based on the findings, state officials determined the damage met the threshold to request federal assistance.

If granted, IA may include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and businesses recover, according to the governor’s office.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will review Whitmer’s request before advising Trump on whether a disaster declaration is warranted. The final decision rests with the president.

“Michigan’s Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties have shown remarkable resilience, but these communities need the additional support that a federal disaster declaration provides,” said Sen. Gary Peters, per a press release. “Governor Whitmer and I are working hard to ensure that Michiganders get the assistance they deserve as they work to rebuild and recover from these devastating storms.”

“After spending multiple days on the ground with officials, I’ve seen that the devastation across our district from the recent tornadoes has been profound, and many of our neighbors are facing tremendous loss,” said Congressman Tim Walberg. “This critical step ensures our communities can access the resources they need to rebuild and have the tools necessary to support long-term recovery. We will continue to work to support every community affected by this tragic weather event.”

“From the moment the storm hit, local and state partners worked side by side to protect lives and begin response and recovery operations,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “While significant progress has been made, the scope of damage requires federal support to ensure families can rebuild.”