Michigan Counties Among Nations Most at Risk For Tornadoes In ’24

Using data from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Roof Gnome compared 950 counties with moderate to very high tornado risk to determine which counties in the United States are most at risk. According to their findings, two Michigan counties are among the country's 15 most vulnerable to tornados.

Related: Blizzard of 1978: When Mother Nature's Fury Shut Down Michigan

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), which has been tracking weather for decades, reports that since 1950, Michigan has had 1,219 confirmed tornados. Since then, twisters' estimated total property damage exceeds $1.2 billion, with crop damage at approximately $1.5 million.

Tornadoes' Had a Banner Year in 2023, What Does 2024 Have in Store?

In 2023, Michigan had 18 confirmed tornado touchdowns, according to NOAA. While 18 storms are far from the record set in 1974 with 43 twisters, the amount of property damage exceeded $83 million. Historically, the tornado season with the most financial damage was 1965, when 28 tornadoes cost Michigan residents and insurance companies over $310 million.

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The most vulnerable county in the country for tornado touchdowns in 2024, as projected by Roof Gnome, isn't too far from Michigan. Cook County, Illinois, which sits on the shores of Lake Michigan, is projected to see over $304 million in property damages.

While Roof Gnome rated 34 Michigan counties, 2 are ranked among the 15 most vulnerable to tornados in 2024. Wayne County ranks 12th in the nation, while Oakland County follows close behind at 13.

Related: Michigan Weather: City Mauled By Over a Foot of August Hail

What makes Wayne County a prime target is the average age of the area's homes. Older construction may be more susceptible to damage, and the average age of a Wayne County home is 62.5 years.