Deadly EF3 Tornado Strikes Union Lake Michigan Killing Three People With 150 mph Winds In Cass St Joseph And Branch Counties

MICHIGAN — A powerful tornado that tore through southern Michigan has now been preliminarily rated EF3 with estimated winds of 150 mph, according to a damage survey released by the National Weather Service. The tornado struck near Union Lake in Michigan, leaving three people dead and at least twelve others injured as it carved a destructive path across parts of the state.

The tornado was part of a severe weather event on March 6, 2026, when a rotating supercell thunderstorm produced intense damage across Cass, St. Joseph, and Branch counties in southern Michigan.

Officials say the rating remains preliminary, and additional updates are expected as survey teams continue evaluating the full extent of the damage.

National Weather Service Confirms EF3 Intensity

The National Weather Service Northern Indiana office released a public information statement confirming the tornado’s early assessment.

According to the survey:

• Rating: EF3
• Estimated Peak Wind: 150 mph
• Fatalities: 3
• Injuries: 12
• Counties Impacted: Cass, St. Joseph, and Branch counties in Michigan

The survey notes that path length and width are still being determined, meaning the tornado’s full track and size may change once investigations are complete.

EF3 tornadoes are classified as intense tornadoes capable of causing severe structural damage, including destroying well-built homes, uprooting large trees, and overturning heavy vehicles.

Deadliest Michigan Tornado In Decades

With three confirmed fatalities, meteorologists say this tornado has become the deadliest tornado to strike Michigan since the 1980 Kalamazoo tornado.

Severe tornadoes of this magnitude are relatively uncommon in Michigan, particularly outside the peak tornado season.

The event also carries additional historical significance for the state.

First EF3 Tornado Of 2026

Weather analysts tracking the event highlight several notable statistics connected to the tornado:

• First EF3 tornado recorded in the United States during 2026
• First EF3 tornado in Michigan since the Gaylord tornado on May 20, 2022
• First EF3 tornado in southern Michigan since the Dexter tornado on March 15, 2012
• Deadliest tornado in Michigan since the Kalamazoo tornado of 1980

These statistics could change if additional tornadoes from the broader March 5–6 severe weather outbreak are later rated EF3 or stronger.

Tornado History Shows Southern Michigan At Higher Risk

Historical tornado data shows that most of Michigan’s strongest tornadoes occur across the southern half of the state, particularly from Grand Rapids through Lansing, Kalamazoo, Ann Arbor and Detroit.

This region often experiences the strongest severe weather setups when warm and humid air from the Gulf of Mexico moves north and collides with colder air masses over the Great Lakes.

When combined with strong upper-level wind patterns, these conditions can produce rotating supercell thunderstorms capable of generating intense tornadoes.

Damage Surveys Still Ongoing

Survey teams continue to investigate damage across Cass, St. Joseph, and Branch counties, mapping the tornado’s exact path and assessing structural destruction.

Officials warn that additional updates may change the tornado’s final rating or details about the storm’s track once the full damage assessment is complete.

Emergency crews and local officials are also continuing recovery efforts as communities begin assessing the impact of the deadly storm.

Stay with WaldronNews.com for continuing updates as meteorologists and officials release new information about the Union Lake EF3 tornado in Michigan.