State, FEMA and SBA officials assessed the March 6 tornado damage
State and federal teams with local officials conducted a preliminary damage assessment on Tuesday of the tornado that struck the region on March 6.
With Michigan’s annual tornado season already underway, officials are planning a statewide tornado drill Wednesday afternoon, March 18, as part of Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week.
Sirens in Michigan will go off at 1 p.m. in communities statewide on Wednesday, March 18. Michigan State Police and the Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division are urging residents to participate in the drill, according to a March 13 MSP release.
“The recent devastating tornadoes in southwest Michigan serve as a somber reminder that severe weather can strike at any time, even early in the season,” MSP and EMHS Director Col. James F. Grady II said in the release. “We encourage local communities to take part in the statewide tornado drill and encourage everyone to practice your plan now to help save lives when every second counts.”
In addition to sounding tornado warning sirens in communities that have them, many counties also plan to test cellphone alert systems. In Ingham County, for instance, cellphones will activate their “Wireless Emergency Alert” (WEA) feature at 12:59 p.m. Wednesday.
On March 8, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Cass, Branch and St. Joseph counties in southwest Michigan after homes and buildings were destroyed by four tornadoes that developed Friday, March 6.
Ahead of the statewide tornado drill in Michigan on March 18, here are some steps to remember in the event of severe weather.
What do I do before a tornado strikes?
- Identify safe rooms built to FEMA criteria or ICC500 storm shelters or other potential protective locations in sturdy buildings near your home, work, and other locations you frequent.
- Build an emergency kit and make a family communications plan.
- Listen to NOAA Weather Radio or to commercial radio or television newscasts for the latest information.
What do I do during a tornado?
- If you are under a tornado warning, seek shelter immediately.
- Do not open windows.
- In a high-rise building, go to a small interior room or hallway on the lowest floor possible.
What do I do after a tornado?
- If you are trapped, do not move about or kick up dust. If possible, cover your mouth with a cloth or mask to avoid breathing dust.
- Save your phone calls for emergencies. Phone systems are often down or busy after a disaster. Use text messaging or social media to communicate with family and friends.
- Watch out for debris and downed power lines.
- Stay out of damaged buildings and homes until local authorities indicate it is safe.
What is the difference between a tornado watch and warning?
State officials say residents should know what different levels of alerts mean when severe weather threatens.
- Tornado Watch: Tornadoes are possible. When there is a Watch, move near enough to a shelter or sturdy building to be able to get inside quickly if there is a Warning or if you see signs of a tornado approaching. Remain alert for approaching storms. Watch the sky and stay tuned to NOAA Weather Radio, commercial radio or television for information.
- Tornado Warning: A tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar. Take shelter immediately.
- Supercell: A system producing severe thunderstorms, featuring rotating winds sustained by a prolonged updraft that may result in hail or tornadoes.
Can I see where tornadoes have struck?
The University of Michigan Climate and Space Sciences and Engineering department maintains a website showing tornadoes reported with the past 48 hours.
Does Michigan have a history of tornadoes?
You can find tornadoes since 1950 on the Detroit Free Press website. In 2025, Michigan saw 33 tornadoes.
Contact Sarah Moore @ [email protected]
