Does Michigan Get A Lot Of Tornados? Everything You Need to Know to Stay Safe

While Michigan does get tornadoes, they aren’t as common as in some other parts of the United States. It’s not a state you’d typically associate with a high tornado risk.

Here’s some info to consider:

• Tornado warnings were just issued in Michigan on May 7th, 2024, so tornadoes do happen there.
• However, Michigan isn’t located in Tornado Alley, the region in the central US with the most frequent and intense tornadoes.
• There are resources online to stay informed about severe weather threats in Michigan, like the National Weather Service.

In the realm of meteorological risks, what magnitude does the threat of tornadoes pose to Michigan? Let us delve into the statistical landscape and draw comparisons among various states.

Upon witnessing the harrowing footage depicting the recent havoc wreaked upon Oklahoma, Nebraska, and Iowa, regions profoundly impacted by tornadoes, one cannot help but contemplate the extent of the peril facing Michigan in the forthcoming summer season. On an average annual basis, Michigan encounters a tally of 16 tornadoes. To provide a contextual understanding, Oklahoma registers an annual average of 66 tornadoes. It is noteworthy that Michigan, Indiana, Ohio, and Illinois are positioned among the 20 states most severely affected by tornadoes. The prominence of Indiana’s ranking on this index elicits a sense of astonishment.

here’s the list of the top 20 states with the highest tornado risk according to the U.S. Tornado Index:

1. Oklahoma
2. Mississippi
3. Arkansas
4. Indiana
5. Alabama
6. Kansas
7. Iowa
8. Louisiana
9. Illinois
10. Missouri
11. Texas
12. Nebraska
13. Florida
14. Georgia
15. Tennessee
16. District of Columbia
17. Ohio
18. Wisconsin
19. Michigan
20. South Carolina

You can explore the complete list on USA.com. The website also conducted a tornado index for cities within Michigan. We’ll provide the rankings for the 10 most affected cities below.

Below are the rankings for the top 10 cities in Michigan based on the Tornado Index:

1. Milford
2. New Hudson
3. Wixom
4. South Lyon
5. Brighton
6. Gregory
7. Hartland
8. Walled Lake
9. Flint
10. Wolverine Lake

Nearly 1,000 towns in Michigan are included in the Michigan Tornado Index list, accessible by clicking here.

In Michigan, tornado season spans from April to August, with its peak typically occurring in June. According to Michigan.gov, Michigan’s tornado alley extends from east to west, stretching from Grand Rapids to Flint.

Michigan does experience tornadoes, but it typically doesn’t have as many as states in the central plains, like Kansas or Oklahoma. However, tornadoes can still occur, especially during the spring and summer months when warm, moist air masses interact with cooler air masses, creating conditions ripe for severe weather.

Here are some tips to stay safe during tornado season in Michigan:

1. Stay Informed: Pay attention to weather forecasts, especially during tornado season. Tornado watches mean conditions are favorable for tornado formation, while tornado warnings indicate a tornado has been spotted or detected on radar in your area.
2. Have a Plan: Know where to go in your home or workplace if a tornado warning is issued. Basements or storm shelters are the safest places to seek shelter. If you don’t have access to these, choose an interior room on the lowest floor, away from windows.
3. Create an Emergency Kit: Have an emergency kit ready with essentials like water, non-perishable food, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, and any necessary medications. Keep this kit in your designated shelter area.
4. Stay Alert: Tornadoes can develop quickly, so remain vigilant during severe weather. Listen for sirens, watch for dark, rotating clouds, and monitor weather updates on your phone or radio.
5. Practice Safety Drills: Regularly review and practice your tornado safety plan with your family or coworkers. Knowing what to do during an emergency can save lives.
6. Secure Outdoor Items: During severe weather, bring in or secure outdoor furniture, decorations, and other items that could become projectiles in high winds.
7. Stay Calm: If a tornado does occur, stay calm and take shelter immediately. Cover your head and neck with your arms or a sturdy object to protect yourself from flying debris.

By staying informed, having a plan, and being prepared, you can stay safe during tornado season in Michigan or any other area prone to severe weather.