Ann Arbor was hit hard by a severe storm. Here’s what residents should know

A severe storm brought down trees and branches, powerlines and poles and even parts of buildings in Ann Arbor in the early morning hours of April 15.

Here’s what residents should know as city crews work to clean up streets and assess the damage.

Did a tornado hit Ann Arbor?

It’s not clear. The National Weather Service is working to determine if a tornado touched down in Ann Arbor. Once NWS makes a determination, the city will share the findings.

Was anyone hurt?

The city has received no reports of injuries in Ann Arbor.

How should I report damage?

For emergencies, including downed wire, call 911.

For nonemergency public works issues, including fallen trees, use A2FixIt.

Is the city getting rid of its outdoor warning sirens?

No. The city will continue to maintain its outdoor warning siren system.

Earlier this year, the city’s Emergency Management Office asked residents whether the sirens — used to signal events like tornado warnings issued by the National Weather Service — should be kept. The response was overwhelmingly in favor of maintaining them as an added layer of safety.

Public input closed on March 31. Officials are now reviewing feedback and preparing a report summarizing how residents prefer to receive emergency alerts, along with plans for future siren maintenance and operations. That report will be shared soon.

Following the sirens’ activation during a tornado warning overnight on April 15, the city wants to clearly reassure residents: the outdoor warning sirens are staying in place.

When will my trash be picked up?

Routes for curbside collections of trash, recycling and compost will continue as scheduled Wednesday, April 15, and throughout the remainder of the week, as access permits. Residents are asked to please leave their carts at the curb, and if access to streets is unavailable resulting in missed pickups, service will be provided the next day or as soon as possible.

Are parks open? What’s going on at Veterans Memorial Park?

Most city parks are open. However, visitors in the coming days should use caution, as hazards may not be immediately visible and staff continue to assess storm damage across the park system. Any damage in parks can be reported through the city’s A2 Fix It system.

Veterans Memorial Park is closed and people should stay away. The park sustained significant damage to its facilities and athletic fields. For safety reasons, and to allow crews to continue assessment and repairs, the entire park is closed until further notice.

It looks like more rain is in the forecast. How can I help?

With additional storms forecast this week, Ann Arbor residents are encouraged to help clear leaves and debris from nearby storm drains and catch basins if it is safe to do so. This can help prevent street flooding. Do not walk or drive through flooded areas, regardless of depth.

How can resident ensure they are getting emergency alerts?

All Ann Arbor residents should do two things to ensure they’re getting timely emergency alerts on their cell phones: sign up for A2 Emergency Alerts and ensure they have are opted into Wireless Emergency Alerts.

Here are more details on Ann Arbor’s emergency warning tools.

Stay informed, stay safe — Ann Arbor alerts explained:

A2 emergency alerts (opt-in)

Sign up to receive informational and lower-threat alerts, such as snow emergency parking bans.

• Delivered by text, email, or phone
• Can be targeted to specific areas of the city
• Sign up: a2gov.org/alerts

Wireless emergency alerts (automatic)

Sent to all compatible cell phones in an affected area — no signup required.

• Used for urgent, life-threatening emergencies
• Examples: tornado warnings, severe storms, hazardous material incidents
• Issued by the National Weather Service and Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office
• Include clear instructions with distinctive tones and vibrations

Outdoor warning sirens

Sirens are designed to get your attention when you’re outside. They are brief. They do not sound for the duration of the threat.

• When you hear a siren, go indoors immediately
• Then check radio, TV, or other news sources for more information
• From March through October, the sirens are tested the second Tuesday of the month at 1 p.m. with a one-minute wail.

Where can I get more city updates?

More updates will be shared as they become available on the city’s NextDoor, Facebook, TikTok and Instagram channels. 

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Media Contact: 

Steve Kilar, Communications Director, skilar@a2gov.org