(UNDATED) – A Federal agency has said no to Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request to declare four counties major disasters following the May 7 tornadoes.

In a letter to Whitmer, the Federal Emergency Management Agency says the storm that struck St. Joseph, Branch, Cass and Kalamazoo Counties was not of such severity and magnitude as to be beyond the capabilities of the State, affected local governments and voluntary agencies.

The storms and tornadoes moved through Southwest Michigan and left a path of devastation in their wake.

St. Joseph County Undersheriff Jason Bingaman and St. Joseph County Emergency Management Director Erin Goff said there was significant tornado damage to multiple locations in St. Joseph County, including the central, north central, and northeastern sections of the county. Numerous homes and businesses sustained damage from the storm.

In Branch County, the tornadoes did major damage in Sherwood Township along a six mile path.

Michigan State Senator Sean McCann issued a statement, asking Whitmer to appeal FEMA’s decision. She has 30 days in which to make an appeal.