The state’s first deadly tornado of the season struck Friday, Feb. 6, providing a devastating reminder of the risks of severe weather as state officials plan a statewide tornado drill during Severe Weather Awareness Week.
The week set for March 15-21 and recognized annually, comes after several tornadoes touched down in southwest Michigan on Friday, March 6, killing four people and injuring at least 12 others. Up to four tornadoes are believed to have struck the area, including a strong EF-3 twister.
State and local officials are encouraging residents to participate in the voluntary statewide tornado drill at 1 p.m. March 18. The first day of spring is March 20.
Michigan has, on average, 15 tornadoes per year, according to MIREADY, the program through the Michigan State Police that provides resources and education to prepare Michigan residents for emergencies. The average lead time for a tornado warning is just 10 to 15 minutes.
“Unfortunately, a lot of 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 Michigan MIREADY website notes.
Here’s what officials say you should know before severe weather strikes.
What to do before a disaster
What to do during a tornado
What to do after a tornado
What is a tornado warning, watch?
State officials say residents should know what different levels of alerts mean when severe weather threatens.
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.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Officials plan statewide tornado drill. What to know before test
Reporting by Jalen Williams, Detroit Free Press / Detroit Free Press
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