THREE RIVERS, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – A pair of tornadoes struck southwest Michigan Friday afternoon, causing severe damage in both Cass, St. Joseph and Branch counties, with three deaths reported in Branch County and one in Cass County.
First responders say a tornado touched down near 131 in the Three Rivers area before heading northeast causing serious damage to homes and businesses. Some homes had major damage, including walls and roofs ripped off. Power lines and poles were also downed, knocking out traffic signals.
The first Tornado Warning for Cass and St. Joseph County was issued at 3:15 p.m., with a second for St. Joseph and Branch County issued at 4:03 p.m. That was for the tornado that struck Three Rivers.
At the same time Kalamazoo County was placed under a Severe Thunderstorm Warning until 5:00 p.m.
Another Tornado Warning was issued at 4:26 p.m. for the tornado that appeared west of Union City at the Branch and Calhoun County line. A Tornado Warning was issued a short time later for Calhoun County as the storm traveled northeast along the route of M-60.
In Branch County, a suspected tornado struck the Union Lake area Friday afternoon, leaving three people dead and twelve others injured.
Emergency officials confirmed that as of 8:00 p.m., three of the injured had been transported to local hospitals for treatment.
According to scanner traffic several structures have been damaged in the area of Blossom Road, Tuttle Road and, Prairie Rose Lane.
Cass County officials say one person was confirmed dead after a tornado in the Edwardsburg area and several were injured.
The strong storms and tornadoes also knocked out power to thousands.
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