Lawmakers investigate why no tornado warnings were issued during deadly Livonia storm
A deadly tornado that killed a toddler in Livonia last spring left residents with no warning. Now politicians are asking questions and trying to figure out why.
FOX 2 (WJBK) – It’s been nearly a month since a devastating tornado killed a 3-year-old boy in Livonia. Now members of Michigan’s congressional delegation are wondering why no warning signs were posted during the violent storm.
On June 5, an EF-1 tornado caused a tree to fall on a bedroom, trapping the mother and killing the young child. But before the tornado struck the area, no weather sirens were heard.
Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D) is one of the lawmakers investigating.
“Myself, Congresswoman Debbie Dingell and Haley Stevens sent a letter to the National Weather Service seeking answers, asking them to explain to us why there was no tornado warning,” she said. “Many Livonia residents have asked us this question in the days since the tornado.”
“As a member of Congress, it’s critical for me to seek answers. We want to make sure – I mean, in our letter, we specifically ask if there are technologies in place to deal with these sudden tornado formations.”
Tlaib said she had already heard the warning sirens being tested in the area.
“The fact that we’re not actually seeing it used, when something like this happens, it sets off alarm bells and makes us wonder what else we could have done,” she said. “Do you know of any measures we could implement at the federal level?”
Related: 3-year-old killed, mother injured after tree falls on Livonia home during severe storm
FOX 2 reached out to the National Weather Service regarding the lawmakers’ questions, and we received a statement that reads: “Any time a weather event results in injury or loss of life, it is a tragedy for the entire community, including the National Weather Service forecasters who live and serve there.
“Our thoughts are with the Livonia community for the loss of life. On June 5, we received the letter from Congress and will respond directly to their request.”
Tlaib said she looked forward to hearing back.
“Congresswoman Debbie Dingell, who has really led this effort, is working with some of our fire chiefs in the area to try to get some answers,” she said. “I mean, we need to make sure that, again, we protect our families and our residents are prepared.”
