More than 25,000 people were ordered to “take cover now” as a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado tore through southwestern Michigan on Friday afternoon.
Tornado warnings can materialize within minutes as fast‑forming storms strengthen and begin rotating, leaving communities with little time to react. Because these systems can shift direction or intensify without notice, officials urge residents to have multiple ways to receive alerts, move to an interior room or basement immediately when a warning is issued, and avoid windows or vehicles. Quick action, they stress, is often the difference between safety and serious risk when a tornado forms with virtually no lead time.
“TAKE COVER NOW! Move to a basement or an interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Avoid windows. If you are outdoors, in a mobile home, or in a vehicle, move to the closest substantial shelter and protect yourself from flying debris,” the National Weather Service (NWS) office in Northern Indiana said in the warning.
NWS Northern Indiana issued the tornado warning at 3:14 p.m. Eastern time after weather radar indicated a tornado. The warning is currently in effect for central Cass County and northwestern St. Joseph County, both in southwestern Michigan. The warning will remain in effect until 3:45 p.m. ET, although it’s possible more warnings will be issued as the storm progresses.
“At 314 PM EST, a severe thunderstorm capable of producing a tornado was located near Cassopolis, or 8 miles northwest of Simonton Lake, moving northeast at 35 mph,” the warning said, adding that hazards included a tornado and “quarter size hail” up to 1 inch.
“Radar indicated rotation,” the warning said. “Flying debris will be dangerous to those caught without shelter. Mobile homes will be damaged or destroyed. Damage to roofs, windows, and vehicles will occur. Tree damage is likely.
Other locations impacted by this tornadic thunderstorm include Vandalia, Moore Park, Dailey, La Grange, Paradise Lake, Calvin Center, Juno Lake, Donnell Lake, Penn, and Diamond Lake.
This is a breaking news story, and it will be updated as more information becomes available.
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