Michigan to Hold Statewide Tornado Drill Amid Severe Weather Awareness Week

LANSING, Mich. — As severe weather season nears, Michigan will observe its annual Severe Weather Awareness Week from March 16 to March 22, culminating in a statewide tornado drill on March 19 at 1 p.m. The drill aims to encourage residents to prepare for potential tornadoes, particularly as they become more frequent in late spring and early summer.

“We’re two weeks away from the statewide tornado drill!” said a spokesperson from the Michigan State Police emergency program. “While tornadoes can occur during any time of the year, they are especially common during the late spring and early summer months.”

Michigan averages about 15 tornadoes annually, according to statistics from the Michigan Information and Resources for Emergency and Disaster (MIREADY). The program emphasizes the importance of preparedness, noting that the average lead time for a tornado warning is only 10 to 15 minutes.

State officials advise residents to understand the different levels of weather alerts available and to have a concrete emergency plan in place. “Unfortunately, many individuals do not think about these things until it is too late. Prepare your family, engage your community, and help build a prepared and resilient Michigan!” the MIREADY website states.

During the statewide drill, most outdoor warning sirens will remain silent, but the state’s emergency alert texting system will send a message to those who subscribe to emergency alerts. Residents will receive a notification clearly marked as a test around 1 p.m. on March 19.

In preparation for severe weather, emergency responders advise citizens to ask critical questions about their safety plans and take action if necessary. Resources for creating and reviewing emergency plans are available on the Michigan State Police website.

The University of Michigan Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering department has maintained data regarding tornado occurrences, which can be invaluable for residents looking to understand local weather patterns better.

For more information and updates about the drill, residents can follow local news outlets and official state channels.

Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at [email protected].