Detroit officials have identified at least 101 properties damaged by a tornado that struck the city's east side hard earlier this month, with nine of the structures potentially requiring emergency demolition.
The city identified the properties as crews continue cleanup efforts after what the National Weather Service confirmed was the first tornado — an EF2 — to strike Detroit since 1997 on Sept. 3. The hardest-hit neighborhoods include McDougall-Hunt, Islandview, West Village, Indian Village, East Village and Pingree Park, along with Belle Isle sustaining downed trees, branches and shrubs.
Mayor Mary Sheffield signed an executive order on Sept. 4, declaring a local state of emergency for the area bounded by Sylvester Street, East Jefferson Avenue,
Chene Street and McClellan Avenue, as well as Belle Isle. The order provides broader authority to mobilize local resources for recovery and resident support, and have discussions with state and federal officials about possible financial assistance.
While inspections and damage assessments are ongoing, the Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department already has identified damage to 55 businesses, 24 single-family homes, 21 multi-family properties and one manufactured home.
Of the affected businesses, 20 sustained major damage, 10 sustained minor damage and 16 were classified as "affected", per the city. Of the 24 single-family homes, five faced major damage, five sustained minor damage and 14 were "affected." Major damage includes collapsed structures, while minor damage can include things like siding or roof damage, according to a BSEED spokesperson.
Crews from Detroit's General Services Department and Department of Public Works removed 295 fallen trees, 520 piles of debris, hauled 114 loads equaling to 342 tons of debris, and cleared 83 streets. DPW also was tasked with restoring power to 100 inoperable traffic signals, which are now functioning, according to the city.
Crews are continuing to respond to affected areas inside and outside of the formally declared disaster zone.
Detroit's Department of Human, Homeless and Family Services has provided direct assistance to at least nine households with immediate needs, including connecting them with the American Red Cross.
The department also coordinated with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on replacement SNAP food assistance, arranged emergency board-up and property stabilization for five households, coordinated emergency Housing Choice Voucher assistance for two households that experienced total property loss, provided help with the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine, and coordinated generator and utility restoration support for three emergency shelters which faced power outages.
Senior Affairs staff also provided on-site support at three senior residential buildings that faced power outages.
Dana Afana is the Detroit city hall reporter for the Free Press. Contact: dafana@freepress.com. Follow her: @DanaAfana.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: 9 Detroit properties face demolition, 101 damaged due to tornado
