Governor Gretchen Whitmer has declared March 15-21 as Michigan’s Severe Weather Awareness Week, and the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division (MSP/EMHSD) is calling on communities and residents to act by participating in a voluntary statewide tornado drill at 1 p.m. on Wednesday, March 18.
“As we enter severe weather season, it’s important for every Michigander to prepare,” said Whitmer. “The importance of severe weather awareness is clearer than ever following last week’s deadly tornadoes. I encourage every Michigander to take time now to make a plan, build an emergency kit, and sign up for local emergency alerts. Preparing today can save lives when minutes matter. Let’s work together and stay safe.”
2026 has already proven to be an active severe weather season as four tornadoes touched down across Branch, Calhoun, Cass, and St. Joseph Counties on March 6, killing four and injuring many others. Dozens of homes and businesses were destroyed or damaged. The severe weather season in 2025 was also an active year with 33 confirmed tornadoes in Michigan, according to the National Weather Service.
“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,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP and state director of Emergency Management and Homeland Security. “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.”
Local communities, businesses, organizations, families, and individuals are all encouraged to engage in this statewide preparedness activity but are not required to do so. During the tornado drill, you may observe or hear alerts on TV and radio stations, as well as outdoor sirens in your community if the local emergency management agency is participating. Contact your local emergency management agency to learn how local alerts are administrated in your community and to find out if your community is participating.
While the average lead time is 10 to 15 minutes, tornadoes can strike with little or no warning, meaning everyone needs to be ready to react quickly.
To be ready for a tornado:
• Know the difference: a tornado WATCH means conditions exist for a tornado to develop; a tornado WARNING means a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar.
• Know the signs of an approaching tornado: dark, often greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark low-lying cloud; and a loud roar, like a freight train.
• Stay tuned to commercial radio or television broadcasts for news on changing weather conditions or approaching storms.
• Develop an emergency preparedness kit with essential items such as a three-day water and food supply, a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio, important family documents, and items that satisfy unique family needs.
• Identify a safe place in your home for family members and pets to gather during a tornado.
• Be educated: Make sure everyone understands the tornado warning system in your area.
• Engage with your local emergency manager to find out if they are participating.
For more information on how to prepare before, during and after an emergency or disaster, visit www.michigan.gov/miready and follow MSP/EMHSD on X and Facebook.
