(WNDU) - A 12-year-old boy died and several others were injured after tornadoes moved through Cass and St. Joseph counties Friday afternoon, the Cass County Sheriff’s Office confirmed.

Police said a caller told dispatch just before 3:15 p.m. that they could not find their son after a possible tornado touched down in the area of of Conrad Road. When officers arrived, the boy — identified as Silas Anderson — had been located and was receiving first aid from his parents. Anderson was taken to the hospital, where he later died from his injuries.

Edwardsburg Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Courtney Szucs released a statement following Anderson’s passing.

“It is with a very heavy heart that I share the tragic passing of one of our 6th grade students. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with the student’s family, friends, classmates, and all who knew and cared about him. He was a bright and meaningful part of our Eddie community, and we know his loss is deeply felt by many. There are truly no words that can fully express the sadness and loss our Eddie family is experiencing.”

“In the days ahead, our focus will be on supporting our students, staff, and families as we begin to process this unimaginable loss together. Beginning on Monday, March 9, 2026, crisis team members from Edwardsburg Public Schools and the ISD will be available to support students and staff in all of our buildings who may need someone to talk with or who may be struggling. These supports will remain available for as long as they are needed.”

According to our sister station WOOD-TV, the National Weather Service said 10 people were injured in the tornado that hit Three Rivers.

Just outside of our viewing area, three more people were killed and 12 others were hurt when a tornado hit the Union City area of Branch County.

Tornado ratings

On Saturday, the National Weather Service gave the Three Rivers tornado a confirmed EF-2 rating with peak winds of 130 mph.

The Edwardsburg tornado was given a confirmed EF-1 rating, with peak winds of 95 mph.

The Union City tornado was given a confirmed rating of EF-3 with peak winds of 160 mph.

Damage reports

In Three Rivers, the back of a Menards at US-131 and Broadway Road collapsed. Part of the roof and front sign were also torn away. Video shared with WNDU (see below) showed clouds swirling with debris in the sky before roofing was torn from the Menards and a nearby storage unit.

“So, a siren went off a few minutes ago, but no one told us to do anything. And then everyone was a little bit freaked out. And then over the intercom, someone was like, everybody get to the middle of the store under the mezzanine right now. And everyone rushes to the middle of the store. And then everyone’s getting under the tables. And then someone’s like, there’s a tornado over there. And we could see the tornado coming through the paint department. The paint department’s gone,” Ramsey said. “There’s a tornado in the Menards. There’s a hole in the Menards.”

Three Rivers Health Hospital and several clinics on its campus sustained damage, Beacon Health System confirmed. No staff or patients were hurt.

Beacon said its facility remained open without interruption while teams assessed the damage.

The American Red Cross is hosting a shelter for displaced residents at Riverside Church (207 E. Michigan Avenue, Three Rivers). Residents who have unmet needs such as shelter, food, or other assistance should dial 211 to report their needs.

In Cass County, tornado damage was reported from the area of Conrad Road west of Edwardsburg to M-62. Officials reported multiple large structures — including homes and pole barns — damaged or destroyed, along with downed trees and several heavily damaged homes.

County officials declared a local state of emergency as a result of the storms. Residents in need of assistance may contact the American Red Cross at 1-800-RED-CROSS or dial 211 for local support services.

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Damage in Three Rivers:

Damage in Cass County:

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