SUMMARY
- Four fatalities and at least 12 injuries reported after Friday night tornado in Union City.
- Extensive property damage, downed utility poles, and prolonged power outages affecting thousands.
- Local schools and emergency services providing shelter, food, and essential supplies to affected residents.
Union City, Michigan — A powerful tornado tore through Union City late Friday night, killing four people and injuring at least 12, while leaving streets littered with downed trees, power lines, and structural damage, officials said.
Rain continued into Saturday morning, slowing cleanup efforts as residents and crews assessed the destruction.
The tornado struck multiple blocks along Broadway Street, severely damaging homes, businesses, and public buildings, including First Congregational Church.
Church officials reported that half the roof collapsed, narrowly sparing the sanctuary and its Steinway piano.
“Unfortunately the church was in its path,” the church said in a Facebook post. Only one person was inside during the storm and was unharmed.
Village authorities reported multiple downed utility poles, damaged transformers, and long stretches of power lines on the ground.
The Union City Electric Department, coordinating with Coldwater Board of Public Utilities, Marshall, and Sturgis, said power restoration could take several days.
Nearly 3,000 Indiana Michigan Power customers in nearby St. Joseph County remained without electricity Saturday morning, according to PowerOutage.us.
Union City, a village of roughly 1,700 residents, lies in a region of Michigan prone to tornadoes during spring months.
Local emergency management officials noted that tornado warnings were issued shortly before the storm struck.
Historically, similar events in 2011 and 2015 caused comparable structural damage, prompting improvements in early warning systems.
Dr. Karen Olson, meteorologist at Western Michigan University, said, “Rapidly forming tornadoes combined with saturated ground from recent rainfall increases the risk of both property and infrastructural damage.”
Union City Village Manager Mark Schneider added, “Our priority is restoring electricity safely and providing support to affected families. Streets remain hazardous, and we urge residents to limit travel.”
Include resident Laura McIntyre, who said, “Our roof is gone, and the trees are blocking the street. It’s overwhelming, but neighbors are helping each other.”
Union City High School Principal John Reynolds reported, “We are providing shelter and essentials. Donations of tarps, gloves, and trash bags are critical.”
Authorities continue cleanup and damage assessment. Residents are advised to avoid unnecessary travel while emergency crews restore power and remove debris.
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