Michigan averages about 17 tornadoes each year, and most of them occur during tornado season between April and July. And while tornado season officially ends this month, you still have to be prepared – as we’ve learned in the past, tornadoes can strike during any time of year.
Michigan’s Tornado Season Ends in July – But You Have to Stay Prepared
Although Michigan’s tornado season ends this month, it’s still important to stay well-versed in tornado safety tips and keep your tornado safety kit on-hand. Your kit should include:
- Flashlight
- Spare batteries
- Battery-operated radio
- Canned food
- Can opener
- Bottled water
- Extra clothes
- Medication
- Baby supplies
- Pet supplies
Related: Tornado myths and facts every Michigander should know
Michigan Tornado Basics
Of all the tornadoes in our state’s history, about 5 percent of them reach F4 or F5 on the Fujita-Pearson Tornado Damage Scale. Tornadoes of that scale have dangerously high winds. Here are the basics:
- F-4 tornadoes can feature winds ranging from 207 to 260 miles per hour, and they can level well-constructed walls.
- F-5 tornadoes can feature winds ranging from 261 to 318 miles per hour, and they can lift homes right off their foundations (and carry them considerable distances). These tornadoes can also throw cars as far as 100 meters.
Both F-4 and F-5 tornadoes are considered devastating.
In Michigan, we tend to see tornadoes in the late afternoon and early evening. Statistically, they usually occur between 4 p.m. and 6 p.m., but they can occur at any time of day when conditions are right.
Michigan’s Biggest-Ever Tornado
Michigan’s biggest-ever tornado, the Flint-Beecher Tornado, was in northern Flint on June 8, 1953. It was an F-5 and caused a tremendous amount of damage, killing 115 people and injuring 844.
Related: How to care for pets during a tornado
What to Do if Your House is Damaged by a Tornado
If your home is damaged by a tornado, you need to take steps to protect it immediately. That means calling for storm clean-up, where professionals come in and mitigate the risk of further damage before making necessary repairs and restorations.
Do You Need a Disaster Remediation Expert in Washtenaw County or Jackson County?
If your home has already been damaged, we can help. Check out our services and call 734-352-9183 for your free disaster remediation quote today. We offer:
