Tornadoes Strike Michigan and Oklahoma, Triggering Emergency Response

Destructive tornadoes swept through southern Michigan on Friday, March 6, 2026, causing significant damage. A separate tornado event in Oklahoma the previous day resulted in two fatalities. Emergency operations are underway in both states.

Michigan Tornadoes Cause Damage in Three Rivers and Union City

According to preliminary reports from the National Weather Service (NWS), the municipality of Three Rivers, Michigan, was directly impacted by a tornado around 3:45 p.m. On Friday. The tornado struck a large retail business in the southwest part of the city, partially removing the roof of the main building and causing damage to a nearby warehouse. Videos circulating online show debris being lifted by strong winds.

Further north, at 4:38 p.m., a tornado was documented by a storm chaser near Union City, approximately 30 miles from Three Rivers, also kicking up debris.

Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer activated the state’s emergency operations center to support local authorities, who are reportedly overwhelmed by the scale of the damage. Authorities have reported reported injuries, but as of Saturday, March 7, 2026, there are no official reports of fatalities.

Oklahoma Tornadoes Claim Two Lives

The severe weather system that impacted the Midwest was also responsible for a tornado in Oklahoma on Thursday, March 5, 2026, which tragically resulted in two deaths.

Current Weather Conditions and Forecast for Three Rivers, Michigan

As of Saturday, March 7, 2026, the National Weather Service forecasts a 20 percent chance of snow after 2 p.m. In Three Rivers, Michigan. The weather will be partly sunny, with a high near 37°F and a north wind around 5 mph.

Still, conditions are expected to deteriorate later today. Rain and possibly a thunderstorm are forecast before 11 a.m., followed by a chance of rain and thunderstorms between 11 a.m. And 4 p.m. and a continued chance of rain after 4 p.m. Temperatures will rise to near 65°F by noon, then fall to around 55°F during the remainder of the day. Southwest winds will be 15 to 20 mph, with gusts up to 30 mph. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch are possible.

Ongoing Safety Measures and Resources

Surveys are being conducted to assess the extent of storm and tornado damage in Michigan. Registration is open for Spring 2026 Spotter Training, and a CoCoRaHS training opportunity is available in Columbia City, Indiana. A Drought Information Statement is also available.