Following the devastating tornadoes that struck southwest Michigan on March 6, Governor Gretchen Whitmer has formally requested federal aid to support recovery efforts. The tornadoes, which resulted in four fatalities and widespread property damage, represent the deadliest weather event in the state in nearly 50 years. The National Weather Service confirmed that four tornadoes occurred, with the most severe being an EF3 tornado that hit Branch County, packing winds of 160 mph and causing three deaths along with a dozen injuries.