April Kicks Off Tornado Season in Michigan: What You Need to Know

Spring is truly a beautiful time of year in Michigan. The sun is shining, Trees are turning green again, birds are singing, and the weather… Well, it is Michigan and it gets a little tricky this time of year. Of course we all know the old saying April showers bring May flowers, but April also brings to start of tornado season.

According to Mid-Michigan Now Chief Meteorologist Ahmad Bajjey, Michigan tornadoes occur most frequently from April until July, but there has been a tornado in Michigan every month of the year. Just this past weekend the Mitten state saw its first confirmed tornado of the 2021 season. The tornado was an EF-0 and was on the ground for only about 1 minute, but it’s just the beginning.

Tornadoes can strike with little warning, and even though meteorologists are now better able to predict the signs a twister is coming it sometimes isn’t enough. Knowing what to look for can add even a few extra minutes, giving an opportunity for anyone in harm’s way to seek shelter.

• A dark, often greenish, sky.
• Shelf clouds
• Wall clouds or an approaching cloud of debris.
• Large hail often in the absence of rain.
• Before a tornado strikes, the wind may die down and the air may become very still.
• A loud roar similar to a freight train may be heard.
• An approaching cloud of debris, even if a funnel is not visible.

Taking time to prepare for a weather emergency can also be a major plus when it come to what happens post storm. Bajjey strongly advises to always have items prepared for when you need to seek shelter.

"First and most important have a first aid kit. Also a flashlight and extra batteries and battery operated way to recharge you phone so you can stay connected. It's not a bad idea to invest in a weather radio too."

Bajjey says that a "Watch" is basically the "recipe for everything to happen". It's like baking a cake. When a "Warning" is given that means the cake is "done" and it's ready....and time to take immediate shelter. Following those indications and weather alerts can save your life in severe weather.

Check out our the full interview with Meteorologist Ahmad Bajjey below.