Mayor Mary Sheffield confirmed that a tornado touched down on Detroit during this week's storm and crews are working around the clock to clean up debris and restore power, she said at a Friday announcement at the Detroit Police Department Headquarters.
Sheffield recapped damage the city's east side sustained from heavy rain and winds, including nearly 100 intersections with inoperable traffic signals, downed trees, structural damage and partial collapses, downed wires and more. The mayor and multiple department officials urged residents to continue reporting problems and stay away from downed wires or damaged structures until the area is cleared by city officials.
"The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado did touch down on the city's
lower east side, which is not a surprise if all of us have seen the significant damage thus far on the city's east side," Sheffield said.
The storm's concentrated impact began at the Mount Elliot Street and East Vernor Highway area and moved southeast to the Belle Isle area, Sheffield said. Areas near Rouge Park experienced some damage as well. Sheffield also surveyed aerial damage through DPD's aviation unit on Thursday and said crews are on the ground addressing the damage, cleaning up debris and ensuring residents receive the support they need.
No major injuries reported from storm
The mayor said that a man dislocated his shoulder while protecting his baby as a large tree fell onto his home. Aside from his situation, the city has not received reports of any serious injuries, Sheffield said. The city received reports of 80 downed trees, with expectations to receive more, though crews are working on clearing out trees blocking major roads.
Detroit Fire Department Commissioner Chuck Simms said his team responded to 65 incidents, including downed wires, structure fires from downed wires, and downed trees on homes. The fire department and Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department will inspect damaged buildings.
Simms added: "...we have more bad weather coming. I want to let everyone know, if you see a downed wire, just assume it's electrified. Stay away from it at least 25 to 50 feet. Call 911, call DTE, but do not try to touch or relocate the wire, it is dangerous. Also, if you're using a generator because your power is out, please ensure it's not in the home, it's not in the basement, it's not in the garage, but it's outside, another 25 (to) 50 feet away from the home, and the exhaust is pointing away from the home."
BSEED Director Dave Bell urged the public to stay away from any structural damage to avoid injuries until they are cleared by the department. He added the city has "a minimum of 20 properties that have been identified as being damaged. Primarily roof, wall and tree damage to the properties."
Nearly 100 traffic signals were also not working as of Friday afternoon, 13 of which were on the east side. Crews are deploying generators at high-volume intersections until power is fully restored, said Ron Brundidge, director of the Department of Public Works. Some signals were too damaged and require more work. Until those can be restored, crews are deploying portable four-way stop signs.
"We also want to remind our residents that when you're approaching an intersection where the ... signal is not working as it normally does, to approach it with caution, stop at the intersection, treat it as a four-way stop sign," Brundidge said, adding DPW crews will work throughout the weekend to clear debris.
Workers cleared 52 trees and cleared 32 streets that were blocked since Sept. 3, said Crystal Perkins, director of the General Services Department. Crews will work throughout the weekend to clear roadways, sidewalks and ensure people are safe in their homes.
Anyone without power can use community recreation centers, and individuals can also make financial contributions to the Detroit Public Safety Foundation to be routed to relief efforts, said Luke Shaefer, director of Health, Human Services and Poverty Solutions. The Detroit Health Department is also testing mosquito samples for diseases. Director Ali Abazeed encourages residents to "tip, toss (and) cover" containers in the yard to avoid giving mosquitoes room to breed and grow.
To report damage or receive assistance, the city suggests calling these numbers:
- Downed trees or damaged buildings: use the Improve Detroit app or call 313-590-3336.
- Emergency housing assistance: 866-313-2520.
- Power outages: call DTE Energy at 800-477-4747.
- Street or basement flooding: call Detroit Water and Seweage Department at 313-267-8000.
- Lost pets: Check 24petconnect.com for real-time updates.
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: Crews work to restore power, clean up debris in Detroit after storm
