Three dead, 12 injured after tornado in Union City

UNION CITY, Mich. — Three people died and 12 people got hurt after a tornado pushed through the Union Lake area on Friday, according to the Branch County Sheriff’s Office.

Of those injured, three people have been taken to the hospital for treatment.

“Our thoughts are with those who have lost family, friends, and property during this incident,” deputies said.

Emergency responders are on scene as of 8 p.m.

Residents are asked to avoid any impacted areas to allow first responders to safely conduct response and recovery operations.

In addition, community members are asked to follow safety precautions, including:

• Do not travel to or through the affected areas
• Stay away from damaged or unstable structures, including any buildings marked by emergency personnel.
• Avoid downed power lines, fallen trees, and debris

Additional severe weather is possible overnight Friday into Saturday. Residents should seek shelter immediately and continue monitoring forecasts for updated information.

There may also be ongoing power outages, roads closed or restricted neighborhoods and possible interruptions to cell phone and internet service, deputies said.

Emergency crews are working to assess damage and clear impacted areas. Further updates will be released as information becomes available.