Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has asked President Donald Trump to declare a major disaster in Southwest Michigan after four tornadoes touched down on March 6. The tornadoes, with strengths ranging from EF-0 to EF-3, destroyed homes and businesses, left four people dead, including a 12-year-old from Cass County and three adults from St. Joseph County. Whitmer requested activation of the Individual Assistance (IA) program for these three counties, which could provide financial assistance for temporary housing and home repairs, low-interest loans for uninsured losses, and additional support programs for recovery. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will review the request for a disaster declaration.