“As we enter severe weather season, it’s important for every Michigander to prepare,” said Governor Gretchen Whitmer. “The importance of severe weather awareness is clearer than ever following last week’s deadly tornadoes. I encourage every Michigander to take time now to make a plan, build an emergency kit, and sign up for local emergency alerts. Preparing today can save lives when minutes matter. Let’s work together and stay safe.”
“Household emergency plans are critical to family safety, particularly because severe weather can strike without warning,” said Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian, chief medical executive. “Families may not be in the same place when a severe weather event occurs, so it is important to create a plan for all of your loved ones to stay in touch and know what to do and where to go to stay safe.”
Severe weather conditions can occur during any season and pose threats to public health. A series of tornadoes in southwest Michigan Friday, March 6, caused widespread power outages, devastating property damage and at least four deaths. Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Branch, Cass and St. Joseph Counties to assist with response and recovery efforts.
Residents were faced with many challenges, including:
* Loss of heat and running water (if relying on a well).
* Hazardous travel conditions and impassable roads.
* Loss of phone and cellular service.
* Loss of food and medicines that require refrigeration.
* Inability to keep electricity-powered medical devices running.
* Frigid temperatures and inability to heat homes.
State and local agencies have information that can help residents plan for weather-related emergencies based on their specific needs. Some resources include:
I am at the Oakland County Emergency Operation Center and am monitoring the situation at Temple Israel in West Bloomfield. Our team been activated and we’re supporting law enforcement officers in keeping the community safe. We are holding the Jewish Community close and will always reiterate that antisemitism has no place in Oakland County. We appreciate the quick action of the West Bloomfield Police Department, Oakland County Sherrif’s Office and all collaborating partners.
Emergency lane and ramp closures are currently being set up at WB I-96/M-14 at the I-275 interchange due to the poor conditions of the roads:
* *WB I-96/M-14 from I-275 to Sheldon Road will be reduced to 1 LANE.*
* *SB I-275 ramp to WB M-14 will be CLOSED*
These areas would have been closed within the next few weeks/months for reconstruction but the recent extreme weather changes have caused major deterioration of the roads and they must be closed, as soon as possible, *around noon time today.*
The detour for the SB I-275 ramp closure to WB M-14 is to continue further south to WB I-94 to NB US-23 to M-14.
Project information can be found at M14Reconstruction.org.
*Give plows space; it’s not a race.*
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“Individuals and Businesses Eligible in Branch, Cass and St. Joseph Counties”
*Key Points:*
* “Gov. Gretchen Whitmer has declared a state of emergency for Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties to assist with recovery efforts after severe storms and tornadoes on March 6, 2026.”
* “Individuals and businesses in these Southwest Michigan counties can request additional time to file state tax returns and pay state tax bills, with penalties and interest waived.”
* “Taxpayers must request tax extension relief through the Michigan Department of Treasury by using online systems, corresponding through the U.S. Postal Service or calling by phone.”
Individual and business taxpayers in Branch, Cass and St. Joseph counties may now request additional time to file state tax returns and pay state tax bills. Penalties and intertest will be waived for those who qualify.
This relief follows Gov. Gretchen Whitmer’s March 8 declaration of a state of emergency for the three counties [ https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/MIEOG/bulletins/40d3f83?reqfrom=share ] to assist with response and recovery efforts. The severe storms and four confirmed tornadoes caused significant damage to homes, business and public infrastructure.
“Natural disasters create unexpected personal and financial stress,” State Treasurer Rachael Eubanks said. “By offering additional time to file tax returns or meet other payment deadlines, individuals and businesses can focus on recovering and restoring a sense of normalcy in their lives. Affected taxpayers should reach out to us to learn more about the process for obtaining this relief.”
The tax extension relief is not automatic. Taxpayers must contact Treasury online, by U.S. Postal Service or phone to request relief.
When requesting tax extension relief, the following must be included:
* Name and account number of the individual or business taxpayer.
* A description of how the taxpayer was affected by the severe weather.
* Taxpayer or tax preparer address within the emergency area.
Requests for state tax extension relief can be submitted online:
Taxpayers opting to send their request through the U.S. Postal Service should use the following address:
Michigan Department of Treasury
Attn: Disaster Tax Relief
Lansing, Michigan 48922
Taxpayers can inquire about state individual income tax extension relief by phone at 517-636-4486. For business taxes, taxpayers should contact 517-636-6925.
Some taxpayers may receive a preliminary assessment notice before a tax extension relief request is formally received by Treasury. Taxpayers within the emergency area who receive these notices should contact Treasury by phone for a resolution.
Specific details related to the types of individual and business state tax extension relief available can be found in a Treasury-issued Taxpayer Notice [ https://www.michigan.gov/treasury/reference/taxpayer-notices/march-2026-severe-storms-and-tornado-notice ]. Individuals and businesses are encouraged to contact the Internal Revenue Service about federal tax extension relief options.
