Statewide Tornado Drill Wednesday

This week is Severe Weather Awareness Week in Michigan.

As part of the statewide initiative to raise awareness and encourage preparedness before severe weather strikes, particularly tornadoes, which develop most often during spring and early summer, a statewide tornado drill will occur on Wednesday, April 13th, at 1:30pm.

Radio, television and municipal agencies across Michigan will participate.

Families and individuals are encouraged to be part of this activity, by reviewing family plans and becoming familiar with best practices in the event you are caught in a storm.

Authorities caution residents that the average lead time for tornadoes to develop is 10 to 15 minutes, which means citizens need to be ready to react quickly when a warning is issued. Participating in Wednesday's drill, including listening to and watching the instructions delivered by local media at 1:30pm, will help ready you for action when the time arrives.

Severe Weather Awareness Week is sponsored by the Michigan State Police, Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division and Michigan Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (MCSWA) to educate the public about the dangers of tornadoes and other severe weather events, including the precautions that can be taken to save lives and protect families. The MCSWA was formed in 1991 to encourage Michigan residents to be prepared in the event of severe weather. To learn more about the committee, go to www.mcswa.com.

Watch this video of a tornado that struck Byron and Gaines in 2013.

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