(UNION CITY) - Governor Gretchen Whitmer is appealing a federal decision that denied disaster assistance for residents impacted by the deadly March 6 tornado outbreak in southwest Michigan.
The appeal follows FEMA's rejection of Michigan's request for Individual Assistance and the Hazard Mitigation Grant Program. The denial affects Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties, where tornadoes caused extensive damage and claimed four lives.
State officials say the federal programs would provide financial assistance to residents dealing with uninsured or underinsured property losses and help fund future mitigation projects.
Whitmer said she remains committed to helping the affected communities recover and will continue seeking additional support.
The March 6 outbreak was Michigan's first tornado event of 2026. Multiple tornadoes ranging from EF-0 to EF-3 strength were confirmed across southwest Michigan.
State officials say 22 tornadoes have now been confirmed in Michigan this year. In a typical year, the state averages between 15 and 17 tornadoes.