ST. JOSEPH COUNTY, Mich. -- The St. Joseph County Michigan Sheriff's Office is asking residents to avoid the north end of the county until further notice as emergency personnel respond to widespread damage from Friday's tornado.

Authorities say it's critical that firefighters, law enforcement officers, EMS, and other emergency workers have clear access to do their jobs safely and effectively.

The sheriff's office states unnecessary traffic, and onlookers can delay response times and create more hazards for the public and first responders.

If you do not live in the immediate area or do not have essential business there, you are asked to avoid traveling to the north end of the county currently.