ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Governor Gretchen Whitmer declared a state of emergency for Ann Arbor after an EF-1 tornado struck the city earlier this week, enabling state assistance for response efforts and infrastructure repairs.
Whitmer declared the state of emergency on Friday (April 17), following a formal request from Mayor Christopher Taylor, who sought state support after the storm caused widespread damage across the city.
The tornado struck in the early morning hours of April 15, downing trees and power lines and leaving thousands of residents without electricity, according to city officials.
Crews have been working since the storm to clear debris and restore essential services.
Whitmer’s executive order allows the city to access state resources to support emergency response and recovery, including infrastructure repair and cleanup operations.
“On behalf of the City of Ann Arbor, I want to thank Gov. Whitmer for her swift action and support during this challenging time,” Taylor said. “This declaration ensures we have access to critical state resources and coordination that will help us recover more quickly and safely.”
Officials with the Michigan State Police Emergency Management and Homeland Security Division have been on the ground in Ann Arbor assisting with response efforts led by the city’s Emergency Management Office within the Ann Arbor Fire Department.
Michigan State Police officials have provided aerial support and assisted in training damage assessment teams, according to authorities.