Tornado warnings were issued for Oakland County until 1:15 a.m., and for Genesee and Lapeer counties until 1:30 a.m., as a powerful storm system swept through Lower Michigan. While Livingston County’s warning was later cancelled, the threat was far from over. The National Weather Service warned that the tornado watch would stay in place until 5 a.m. Friday, May 16.
Severe thunderstorm warnings were rapidly issued across multiple counties as the storm advanced. Oakland and Livingston counties were under warning until 1:15 a.m., Washtenaw until 1:30 a.m., Macomb until 1:45 a.m., and Wayne County until 2 a.m.
While some tornado warnings were allowed to expire, such as those for Barry, Eaton and Ionia counties at 11:45 p.m., the situation remained tense. The National Weather Service cautioned that a tornado watch would remain active until at least 3 a.m. for parts of south central and southwestern Michigan.
“The storm which prompted the warning has moved out of the area. Therefore, the warning will be allowed to expire,” the NWS stated.
This series of rapid alerts was part of a larger weather event affecting not just Southeast Michigan, but also West Michigan, where tornado warnings had been issued earlier in the evening.
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As Michigan residents faced flashing skies and pounding rain, emergency preparedness became crucial. Authorities urged everyone to be weather-ready and listen to NOAA Weather Radio or local media for real-time updates on tornado watches and tornado warnings.
Communities were reminded to sign up for alerts, develop family communication plans, and identify safe rooms or shelters nearby. For mobile home residents or those without basements, quick access to a secure location such as a community center or a relative's home could be life-saving.
"Practice your plan regularly," officials advise. “A family thunderstorm drill ensures that everyone knows what to do when a tornado is near.”
For structural safety, FEMA recommends reinforcing a safe room, and homeowners can find guidance on their website.
Despite some warnings expiring, many across Southeast Michigan were still on high alert as the night wore on. Emergency preparedness remained top of mind, especially for families who had been shaken by tornado alerts earlier in the night.
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"Even after the warning ended, we couldn’t sleep," said Robert Yang of Oakland County. "You just don’t know what is coming next."
As communities across Michigan navigate these unpredictable weather patterns, the focus now shifts to recovery and preparedness. With the tornado watch in effect until early morning, residents are urged to remain alert, stay indoors, and check for updates regularly.
