Three dead, 12 injured after tornado tears through Union City, Michigan

UNION CITY, MICHIGAN: A strong tornado tore through parts of southwest Michigan, killing at least three people and injuring a dozen others as violent storms moved through the area.

Officials said the suspected tornado hit near Union City, causing significant damage and forcing Branch County to respond to the emergency.

Three people died and at least 12 others were hurt when the storm hit the Union Lake area on Friday afternoon, according to local officials.

Tornado causes widespread damage in Union City, Michigan

Three people died and a dozen people were injured in a storm and reported tornado on March 6 in southern Michigan, according to the Branch County Sheriff's Office.

Of the 12 injured, three were taken to local hospitals after the storm in the area of Union Lake in Branch County, Michigan.

"Our thoughts are with those who have lost family, friends, and property during this incident," the sheriff's office said in a statement.

Large hail (some as big as tennis balls), damaging winds, and strong tornadoes were reported as the system moved across the Plains and Midwest, stretching from north Texas up through Wisconsin.

Authorities said several injured residents were taken to hospitals while others were treated at the scene.

Rescue teams continued searching damaged structures late Friday to ensure no one else was trapped following the storm.

Michigan governor activates emergency response after tornado

Additional severe weather was possible overnight into March 7, officials said. Residents were advised to seek shelter immediately and monitor trusted weather and news sources for updates.

A "large and extremely dangerous tornado" initially struck Three Rivers, Michigan, causing significant damage, according to preliminary reports from the NWS office in Northern Indiana.

The weather service said the storm that caused the tornado in Three Rivers remained organized and could strengthen as it moved into Central Michigan, within the Grand Rapids weather service region. 

Videos from St. Joseph and Cass counties showed part of the roof of a Menards store in Three Rivers being lifted off and debris flying through the air.

The weather service also reported "a large debris ball" on radar over Union City, Michigan.

In Oklahoma, a woman and her daughter died when their van was caught by a tornado March 5. Weather service meteorologists were still surveying damage from those storms on March 6..

The Three Rivers tornado is among several that have struck the United States since March 5. Officials asked residents to remain alert for additional severe weather as the system moved through the Midwest.

Weather forecasters warned that strong winds, hail, and possible additional tornadoes could develop as the system pushed eastward.