A tornado warning was issued for Washtenaw County until 4:15 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026. The warning has now expired and individuals can resume regular activities.
During the warning, the National Weather Service advised people to take shelter in the basement or interior room on the lowest floor of a sturdy building. Those outdoors, in a mobile home or a vehicle were instructed move to the closest substantial shelter and protect themselves from flying debris.
A tornado warning means that a tornado has been sighted or indicated by weather radar, said information from the NWS. Eastern Michigan University issued a critical alert for the warning, instructing students to seek shelter away from doors and windows.
A tornado warning alert is displayed near the elevator on the second floor of the Pray-Harrold building on Sept. 3, 2026.
Trent Frey, meteorologist for the Detroit office of the National Weather Service, told The Echo that conditions favorable for a tornado prompted the warning. Frey said rotations from the Livingston County area were indicated on the radar, but no actual tornado was identified yet. A later survey will confirm if there was a tornado or not, he said.
There is potential for additional storms this evening and Friday morning, Frey said.
"There is also potential for minor flooding with this rain," he said. This includes along roadways.
Trey advises students and community members to watch weather forecasts to prepare ahead of time for severe weather events. For additional weather alerts, updates can be found on the NWS website.
Eastern Michigan University Police Chief Matthew Lige said only very minimal damage was found on campus following the high winds during the tornado warning. However, he reported flooding and several downed power lines in the City of Ypsilanti right outside of the campus area.
Trees blow in heavy winds outside Pray-Harrold during a tornado warning on Thursday, Sept. 3, 2026.
Editor's note: This is a developing story and updates will be posted as they become available.
