National Weather ServiceMichiganTornado WatchArchive to October 1, 2026
Tornado Watches in Michigan
The National Weather Service issued 5 tornado watches for Michigan in 2025 and 4 a year on average in 2008-2025; in 2021-2025 it had the 28th most of any state. 2026 through September: 6, 61% above the average of 4 for those months in 2008-2025. Cass was covered most often (42 times since 2008).
How many tornado watches does Michigan get?
Every tornado watch that covered part of Michigan. 2026 is an outline: the year is not over.
The numbers
| Year | Count |
|---|---|
| 2026 (through September) | 6 |
| 2025 | 5 |
| 2024 | 4 |
| 2023 | 5 |
| 2022 | 1 |
| 2021 | 3 |
| 2020 | 1 |
| 2019 | 2 |
| 2018 | 3 |
| 2017 | 0 |
| 2016 | 1 |
| 2015 | 5 |
| 2014 | 1 |
| 2013 | 4 |
| 2012 | 3 |
| 2011 | 9 |
| 2010 | 14 |
| 2009 | 4 |
| 2008 | 9 |
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
When in the year does Michigan get them?
Sum of 2008-2025; the busiest month is labelled.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
Where in Michigan?
| County or forecast zone | Since 2008 | Since 2023 | Last issued |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cass | 42 | 15 | June 12, 2026 |
| St. Joseph | 42 | 14 | June 12, 2026 |
| Berrien | 40 | 14 | June 12, 2026 |
| Branch | 38 | 11 | June 12, 2026 |
| Kalamazoo | 33 | 9 | June 12, 2026 |
| Van Buren | 33 | 8 | June 12, 2026 |
| Allegan | 32 | 8 | June 12, 2026 |
| Barry | 32 | 8 | June 12, 2026 |
| Calhoun | 32 | 8 | June 12, 2026 |
| Hillsdale | 31 | 7 | June 12, 2026 |
| Eaton | 30 | 7 | June 12, 2026 |
| Jackson | 30 | 7 | June 12, 2026 |
The NWS issues these products for counties or forecast zones; a zone can be part of a county or a mountain range.
Source: Iowa Environmental Mesonet archive of National Weather Service watches, warnings and advisories (VTEC); National Weather Service. Data as of October 1, 2026.
What is a tornado watch?
Tornado watches come from the NWS Storm Prediction Center when thunderstorms able to produce tornadoes are possible over a large area, usually for several hours; local offices list the counties it covers. A watch means the conditions for the hazard are possible or favourable, but it is not yet happening: be ready to act if a warning follows. The national record · Every warning type in Michigan.