The state conducted a test of its severe weather warning system at 1 p.m. today.  It’s part of coordinated efforts to prepare Michiganders for the upcoming severe weather season this week.

Even though we’re still in winter, Michigan has already seen four tornadoes this month.  One of them was deadly.  Today’s drill was meant to get residents thinking about severe weather and make preparations. 

The type of severe weather that Detroiters are most likely to see in the summer are severe thunderstorms.  These storms can bring heavy rain, winds of 60 miles per hour or more, hail,  and frequent lightning.  Occasionally, these storms can generate tornadoes. 

Make sure you know the difference between a severe thunderstorm watch and a severe thunderstorm warning.  A watch means conditions are right to possibly produce severe storms at some point – and you should keep tabs on the weather.  A warning means severe weather is taking place and you should take shelter. 

The same language applies to tornadoes.  A watch means tornadoes are possible.  A warning means take shelter immediately.  For a tornado warning, get to the lowest level of your house, preferably the basement.  Put as many walls as possible between you and outside.  Get under a sturdy piece of furniture or the staircase.  Stay away from windows, which could break and turn into flying debris.  Take your phone or a battery powered radio with you to keep up with the latest developments. 

Michigan averages about 15 tornadoes per year.  The last tornado to hit Detroit caused millions of dollars of damage in parts of the city and Highland Park back in 1997. 

Make an emergency plan ahead of time and discuss it with your family.  Hold your own drills to make sure everyone knows where to go and what to do when an actual emergency occurs. 

In other news,  gas prices continue their dramatic rise.  A gallon of self-serve regular averages $3.83 in Metro Detroit.  That’s up 8 cents from Tuesday.  Prices averaged $2.95 a month ago.  The war with Iran is limiting oil production in some Middle East countries, and it’s preventing tankers from traveling through the Strait of Hormuz.  Analysts say they expect prices to continue rising until hostilities are ended. 

To save some money on gas, pay in cash.  That’s usually 10 cents per gallon cheaper than the credit price.  Make sure your tires are properly inflated.  And avoid jack-rabbit starts.