Communities across Michigan are taking part in a statewide tornado drill on Wednesday while reminding residents how local emergency alert systems operate as part of the Michigan Severe Weather Awareness campaign.
Severe Weather Awareness Week runs from March 15-19 this year.
“This time of year is chosen because Michigan is entering its spring and summer severe weather season, when tornadoes and strong storms are most likely, so officials want people to be prepared before dangerous weather becomes more frequent. Testing in early spring also helps identify any problems with sirens after the winter months and ensures communities are ready when storms can develop quickly with little warning,” CBS Detroit meteorologist Vytas Reid said.
Statewide tornado drill
A voluntary statewide tornado drill will take place at 1 p.m. Wednesday.
The drills aim to ensure sirens and emergency systems function properly while giving residents an opportunity to practice how they would respond during an actual tornado warning.
That said, whether Southeast Michigan communities will test outdoor emergency sirens at the scheduled drill time varies by location.
For instance, the City of Warren said it will test its outdoor sirens at 1 p.m. Wednesday. Livingston County said it will not conduct outdoor siren tests on Wednesday due to the cold weather but will instead test its Public Alert System, which uses phone calls and emails. Meanwhile, Lenawee County Emergency Management said its countywide tornado siren test will be held at 5:55 p.m. on March 19.
As part of the campaign, local emergency management teams and first responders are also urging residents to sign up for text message, phone call, email, and mobile app services that deliver local emergency alerts in their communities.
“Remember that outdoor sirens are mainly meant to alert people who are outside, so you should always rely on multiple warning methods to stay safe,” Reid said.
Threat of tornadoes in Michigan
Michigan experienced one of its most active tornado seasons on record in 2025, with 33 tornadoes confirmed statewide over the year. The 2026 severe weather season has already shown signs of intensity, with tornadoes touching down in Southwest Michigan on March 6. That outbreak resulted in four deaths.
“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,” the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division, said.
“The importance of severe weather awareness is clearer than ever following last week’s deadly tornadoes,” Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said. “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.”
Emergency preparedness kits
State and federal emergency officials urge residents in areas prone to severe weather to prepare emergency kits and keep them easily accessible for their families and pets.
While each family’s needs may differ, these checklists and recommended supplies are designed to cover basic necessities during disruptions such as power outages.
Suggestions listed on the Michigan.gov website include drinking water, nonperishable food, a flashlight with batteries, a first aid kit, local road maps, extra clothing, medication, infant diapers if needed, and rain gear.
Watch vs warning
The National Weather Service explains that a severe weather watch means “be prepared.” Conditions may develop that could lead to severe weather within the specified time frame.
A severe weather warning means “take action,” indicating that severe weather has already been reported by spotters or detected on radar. People are urged to seek shelter indoors and stay away from windows.
In addition to National Weather Service alerts, people in the path of a tornado have often reported noticeable changes in the weather. These signs include a dark, sometimes greenish sky; large hail; a large, dark, low-lying cloud; and a loud roar that some describe as sounding like a freight train, according to the Michigan Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division.
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