Statewide Tornado Drill Planned for Michigan on Thursday

State police and emergency management officials are asking Michigan residents to take part in a statewide tornado drill this week.

The drill is planned for 2 p.m. Thursday, and businesses, organizations, schools, families and individuals are being urged to participate. No one is required to do so. Nearly all state of Michigan facilities will likely participate.

Tornadoes are common in Michigan during the late spring and early summer months. Last July, an EF-1 tornado blew through Kentwood and Wyoming, destroying homes and businesses in its path.

This drill is taking place during Michigan's Severe Weather Awareness Week. Michigan's drill will take place at the same time as drills in at least two other states in the Midwest.