Update 2:54 p.m.: The Branch County Sheriff's Office and Emergency Management gave an update on recovery operations in Union City Saturday afternoon.
They shared that search and rescue involved diving in Union Lake, as a lot of the property including houses along the shoreline went into the water. They're also making sure to track down anyone still unaccounted for. If you have a loved one you haven't heard from in a six mile radius of the area, you can call 517-278-3091.
No victims were identified at this point.
Crews say the are hoping to get families back to search through the wreckage of homes by Sunday night.
WATCH: BRANCH COUNTY SHERIFF AND EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT GIVE UPDATE ON UNION CITY TORNADO
Update 1:53 p.m.: The National Weather Service has given the Union City tornado a preliminary EF-3 rating with estimated peak winds of 150 mph. It's the first EF-3 tornado in Michigan since the Gaylord tornado in 2022.
Cleanup continues Saturday after a tornado touched down near Union City Friday and left devastating damage.
The Branch County Sheriff's Office reports three people died in the storm, and 12 others were injured. Three of those injured were taken to the hospital.
The State Emergency Operations Center remains activated Saturday following yesterday’s deadly tornadoes in Southwest Michigan that claimed the lives of four people and injured many more. Right now, local responders continue to search damaged areas and begin recovery efforts.… pic.twitter.com/Ra2uVXy9jo
— MichEMHS (@MichEMHS) March 7, 2026
MORE COVERAGE: Severe weather kills 4, injures 12+ across southwest Michigan
In a post on Facebook, the sheriff's office shared they will be continuing search efforts Saturday, and are asking people to avoid the area to let crews work.
Union City High School will be open throughout the day on Saturday for food and other resources for neighbors who need help.
Emergency Management say there is not a need for groceries or perishable goods at this point but recommend making a donation to the Branch County Sheriff's Office Victim Services or the American Red Cross.
The school district has also provided a QR code and link for anyone who would like to donate money to help.
MORE COVERAGE: NWS to conduct tornado damage surveys this weekend
Want to help victims of the March 6 severe storms? Donate through the the United Way of Southwest Michigan's Southwest Michigan Cares Fund by clicking this link or scanning the QR Code below.
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