Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the State Emergency Operations Center after multiple tornadoes caused severe damage in Southwest Michigan.
The state of emergency was declared on Friday (March 6) around 6 p.m. following tornadoes and strong, damaging winds, and injuries were reported in Branch, Cass, and St. Joseph counties.
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“Tonight, I am activating our State Emergency Operations Center to coordinate an all-hands-on-deck response to severe weather in southwestern Michigan.
By taking this action, we can ensure the state can monitor and respond to local requests.
I want to thank all the first responders on the ground who reacted quickly to keep Michiganders safe.”
Governor Gretchen Whitmer
The SEOC was activated at Level 3 (monitoring) status and is ready to support local requests for assistance, Whitmer said.
SEOC personnel are monitoring the situation and working with state and local officials and private-sector partners to ensure any resource needs are met.
MSP/EMHSD District Coordinators are on the scene with local emergency management officials and supporting local emergency operation centers.
Residents were urged to follow local safety messaging and public-safety directions from county and city authorities as storm response continues.
For more information on how to prepare before, during, and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready and follow MSP/EMHSD on X and Facebook.
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