(UNION CITY) - Three people are dead and 12 more injured from the tornado that struck Union Lake and Union City Friday afternoon.
Branch County Sheriff Fred Blankenship says emergency officials responded to the area following the storms that moved through the area. He is urging residents to avoid the affected areas to allow emergency personnel to safely conduct response and recovery operations.
Citizens are asked to follow the following safety precautions.
*Do not travel to or through the affected areas.
*Stay away from damaged or unstable structures, including any buildings marked by emergency personnel.
*Avoid downed power lines, fallen trees and debris.
Blakenship says emergency crews, including Police, Fire, EMS and utility personnel, are actively working to assess damage and clear affected areas.
Residents should anticipate ongoing power outages, closed roads or restricted neighborhoods along with possible cellular and internet service interruptions.