Governor Whitmer Appeals FEMA Denial of Federal Disaster Aid Following Deadly Southwest Michigan Tornadoes 

LANSING, Mich.—Today, Governor Gretchen Whitmer appealed the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) decision to deny federal disaster assistance through the Individual Assistance (IA) program for Michigan residents affected by a deadly tornado outbreak that caused widespread destruction across Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties on March 6, 2026. 

“Families are still recovering from the devastation caused by the March tornadoes,” said Governor Whitmer. “These storms damaged critical infrastructure, destroyed homes, and tragically claimed four lives. While I’m disappointed that FEMA denied our request for Individual Assistance, our work is not over. We will keep fighting to deliver the support our residents deserve, and help affected communities recover and rebuild. Michiganders are strong. We will get through this together.” 

In a letter May 31, FEMA officials confirmed the denial of IA funding which would have provided financial support and direct services to eligible individuals and households who have sustained uninsured or underinsured losses due to damage caused by tornadoes. FEMA also denied funding through the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP), which supports projects that help communities reduce future disaster risks and strengthen long-term resilience. 

“Recovery is a long-term effort, and the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division remains committed to working with local, state, and federal partners to support impacted communities,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the Michigan State Police and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “We encourage those affected by the March tornadoes to take advantage of the recovery resources that are currently available while Governor Whitmer continues to seek additional federal assistance.” 

On March 6, four tornadoes with intensities ranging from EF-0 to EF-3 impacted southwest Michigan. Communities near Edwardsburg, Cass County, in and around the city of Three Rivers, St. Joseph County, and along the north side of Union Lake in Union City, Branch County, were among the hardest hit.  

The tornadoes damaged or destroyed numerous homes and businesses, overturned vehicles, and sheared trees. A 12-year-old child in Cass County, and three adults in Union City lost their lives making it the deadliest tornado outbreak in Michigan in nearly 50 years. The storm also caused significant power outages across the region.  

Governor Whitmer requested the presidential disaster declaration to help Southwest Michigan communities recover from the deadly tornadoes on April 1, 2026. 

Low-interest federal disaster loans remain available from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) for businesses, private nonprofit organizations, homeowners, and renters impacted by the March 6 tornadoes in Berrien, Branch, Calhoun, Cass, Hillsdale, Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, and Van Buren counties. Eligible individuals and organizations are encouraged to apply before the June 29 deadline. 

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