Severe storm season is now upon us Michiganders, as we recently saw tornadoes slam the U.S. this weekend in the Midwest, Great Plains, and South regions near Dixie Alley. Michigan has over 1,237 tornadoes on record since data tracking began in 1951. Looking at the records for the state, the most tornadoes in a single year occurred in 1973, with 43 confirmed twisters. In terms of human harm, 1953 was the deadliest year, with 982 reported injuries and 127 fatalities. The year 1965 takes the cake in terms of dollars of damage, registering over $310,000 that year.

With an inspiration to explore Michigan’s tornadic history, let’s look specifically at West Central Michigan’s record of rotating storms.

 

An Active Last Four Years

Since 2021, Michigan has experienced the most tornadoes over a four-year span since 2010–2013. A confirmed 61 twisters have touched down since 2021, the highest total since the previous high mark of 65 confirmed tornadoes between 2010 and 2013. Of the last four years, 2021 leads with 19 tornado touchdowns, followed by 2024 with 18, 2023 with 18, and 2022 with only six.
In terms of property damage, 2023 incurred the most since 1997, with nearly $88,000 in losses. The last four years of twisters have combined for over $209 million in damage. According to the data, these storms have been associated with over 69 injuries and five fatalities.

The closest and most recent storm took place just eight months ago near Lake George in Clare County. On July 5, 2024, an estimated EF1 tornado with 95-mile-per-hour winds touched down around 4:00 p.m. and traveled 12 miles in about 30 minutes. Over $2 million in property damage was reported, including downed trees and flipped boats.

 

Recent Storms in Each County

The most recent tornado to hit West Central Michigan occurred on August 24, 2023. An EF1 tornado, as wide as a football field, touched down in Kent County southwest of Alpine and traveled under nine miles through the north side of Belmont.
For Mecosta County and the Big Rapids area, the last official tornado touched down on June 26, 2021. An EF1 twister landed at 1:30 p.m. south of Canadian Lakes and traveled about three miles across 70th Avenue. Multiple barns and power poles were damaged by the winds.

Other local counties have seen a few small twisters this century. Lake County experienced two small EF0 systems in August 2018. Newaygo County last saw a twister in November 2013, which tore a 37-mile-long track from Canada Corners in Muskegon County to Canadian Lakes in Mecosta County as a small, non-damaging storm. Osceola County’s last tornado occurred in June 2008, when a small EF1 with 110 mph winds dropped north of Hersey and traveled into territory west of Evart. Montcalm County’s last system was in 2007, traveling only a quarter mile on the afternoon of August 23.

 

The Biggest on Each Scale

The last significant tornado in the area occurred in 1994, when an F2 tornado touched down in Montcalm County on July 4. The 150-yard-wide twister traveled nearly a third of a mile before lifting. No injuries were reported with this storm.

Stepping up in scale, the last F3 funnel occurred on April 23, 1968, in Mecosta, Montcalm, and Osceola Counties. Just after 1:00 p.m., a large twister dropped just east of the Muskegon River near Pogy and traveled 60 miles southeast before dissipating near Long Lake in Shiloh. This system injured 11 people and caused an estimated $2.5 million in damage.

For the last F4 twister, researchers recall April 11, 1965, for a deadly storm in Ottawa and Kent Counties. Just before 5:00 p.m., a violent cyclone touched down north of Leonard Street near Lamont, quickly traveling east near Comstock Park, then shifting slightly north through Rockford before lifting around 5:20 p.m. near the town of Evans. Five people were killed as a result of the tornado, along with 142 injuries.

If you’re wondering whether there has ever been an F5 tornado in West Central Michigan, the answer is yes. One of only two maximum-sized twisters in the state’s history, this massive storm traveled nearly 60 miles through four counties at a width of almost a quarter mile. The system dropped from the sky just off Lake Michigan, north of Saugatuck in Ottawa County. Starting at 5:45 p.m., the cyclone traveled northeast through Hudsonville, Grandville, Comstock Park, and Rockford, finally weakening to a halt near the Langston State Game Area in Montcalm County at 7:00 p.m. As a result of this beast, 292 people were injured, and 17 lost their lives.

 

How to Be Safe and Ready

While tornado season has been mild over the past few years, it never hurts to be prepared in case Mother Nature throws a curveball. In honor of Severe Weather Readiness Week, here are some tips to help you stay safe during a tornado:

Before the tornado, make sure you have an action plan in place. Plan where you would go inside your house and what supplies need to be nearby. The basement or lowest floor is the safest option, while interior rooms like closets and bathrooms are also preferred. Organizations like the American Red Cross recommend storing at least two weeks’ worth of food, water, and medical supplies. Batteries and chargers for devices are recommended, but have a backup battery-powered radio in case of a power outage.

During the storm, stay as low as possible. Keep a phone, radio, or television nearby to hear alert updates for your area. If you’re on the road away from home, find the nearest sturdy structure as quickly as possible. Stay away from windows and doors, as they can break and allow winds to swirl inside. Use a mattress, blankets, or pillows to shield yourself from debris if you can. If you cannot reach a building and are outside, get to the lowest-lying area, like a ditch. Do not stay in a vehicle. Make sure to cover your head and vital organs in the fetal position when the storm approaches your location.

After the storm, do not leave your safe area until the weather warning is canceled. If you can leave your home, check for nearby property damage. Wear long clothing and shoes in case of hazards like broken glass or downed trees. Contact family and friends to let them know you’re okay. If you or someone near you is badly injured, call 911 immediately.