Cass County officials have declared a local state of emergency after a tornado and severe storms caused widespread damage Friday afternoon across the southern part of the county.
The declaration came after the storm touched down near Edwardsburg, damaging homes, destroying buildings, and leaving hundreds without electricity.
Cass County Emergency Manager Manny DeLaRosa said emergency personnel were deployed throughout the area after the tornado struck late Friday afternoon.
According to DeLaRosa, several large structures — including homes and pole barns — suffered significant damage ranging from major structural impacts to complete destruction.
Clint Roach, sheriff of Cass County, reported that multiple people were injured in the storm and that one fatality has been confirmed.
Power outages also impacted hundreds of residents. Midwest Energy & Communications reported that approximately 500 homes were without electricity, primarily in the Edwardsburg area. Officials say damage appears to have started west of Edwardsburg along Conrad Road and continued east past M-62.
Numerous trees were knocked down onto roads and buildings, prompting several fire departments and the county road commission to begin clearing debris and reopening roadways.
In response to the damage, Jeremiah Jones, chair of the Cass County Board of Commissioners, issued a formal local state of emergency Friday evening. The declaration states that local resources are being used to their fullest extent as emergency crews work to respond to the disaster.
Heavy rainfall Friday evening slowed some cleanup efforts, which officials say will continue Saturday.
The American Red Cross was on site Friday evening assisting residents and is expected to return Saturday to provide additional support.
Cass County Emergency Management teams will also begin conducting official damage assessments required by the State of Michigan. Officials say residents should expect to see personnel wearing yellow safety vests identifying themselves as Cass County Emergency Management staff.
DeLaRosa and the sheriff’s office continue to monitor conditions and are preparing additional resources, including emergency shelters, if they become necessary.
Residents who need assistance are encouraged to contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS or dial 2-1-1 for local support services.
Satellite imagery captured the storm that produced a destructive tornado in southern Michigan this afternoon. pic.twitter.com/laYMQYYynS
— CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) March 6, 2026
If you have any damage reports, send us an email at nws.northernindiana@noaa.gov and include the time of the event and the specific location. Update on Storm Surveys Scheduled for 3/7/2026: https://t.co/AOpJirkwIr
— NWS Northern Indiana (@NWSIWX) March 7, 2026
