Tornadoes are no laughing matter
compiled by Mary Jo David
According to the Storm Prediction Center, Michigan has averaged 13 tornadoes per year since 2000. Already, in 2025, the National Weather Service has confirmed 25 tornadoes across the state—almost double the state’s average .
On the night of May 15, another EF1 tornado touched down in our area—too close for comfort and the second In our area in two months. Many seasoned Michiganders joke about ignoring tornado warning signs. In Threads recently, folks from Michigan posted comments like: “I’m going to sit on the porch and watch this cute little storm” and “Got a tornado warning in Michigan last night and every single neighbor walked outside … someone pulled up a lawn chair.”
Well, as many can attest: the weather that hit our area that night was NO JOKE, and the last thing anyone should do is treat the warning signs lightly.
Following are some reminders from weather.gov for how to stay safe under threat of a tornado.
Flying debris causes most deaths and injuries during a tornado. Although there is no completely safe place during a tornado, some locations are much safer than others.
At home: One basic rule is AVOID WINDOWS. An exploding window can injure or kill. The safest place in the home is the interior part of a basement. If there is no basement, go to an inside room, without windows, on the lowest floor. This could be a center hallway, bathroom, or closet. … Avoid taking shelter where there are heavy objects, such as pianos or refrigerators, on the area of floor that is directly above you. They could fall though the floor if the tornado strikes your house.
Mobile homes: Do NOT stay in a mobile home manufactured prior to 1976 during a tornado. These are particularly vulnerable to high winds. Instead, go to a nearby building, preferably one with a basement. If there is no shelter nearby, lie flat in the nearest ditch, ravine, or culvert and shield your head with your hands.
Avoid motor vehicles: The least desirable place to be during a tornado is in a motor vehicle. Cars, buses, and trucks are easily tossed by tornado winds. Do not try to outrun a tornado in your car. If you see a tornado, stop your vehicle and get out. Do not get under your vehicle.
Seeking shelter outdoors: If you must seek shelter while outdoors, avoid areas with many trees; avoid vehicles; lie down flat in a gully, ditch, or low spot on the ground; protect your head.
For additional information on staying safe from tornados while in shopping malls, theaters, municipal buildings, hospitals, and more, go to weather.gov/mqt/tornadotips
