• City identifies 101 storm-damaged properties as coordinated tornado recovery continues 
• Crews have removed 295 trees, cleared 83 streets and hauled away approximately 342 tons of debris 
• Emergency declaration strengthens City’s ability to mobilize resources and pursue potential state and federal assistance 

City of Detroit inspectors have identified 101 properties damaged by the Sept. 3 tornado as crews continue cleanup, property stabilization and direct assistance to affected residents across the city.

The National Weather Service confirmed the tornado as the first to strike Detroit since 1997. The hardest-hit neighborhoods include McDougall-Hunt, Islandview, West Village and Indian Village in District 5, along with East Village and Pingree Park in District 4. Belle Isle also sustained significant tree damage.

Mayor Mary Sheffield signed an executive order declaring a Local State of Emergency for the area bounded by Sylvester Street to the north, East Jefferson Avenue to the south, Chene Street to the west and McClellan Avenue to the east, as well as Belle Isle.

The declaration gives the mayor broader authority to mobilize local resources for cleanup and resident support. It also allows the City to begin discussions with state and federal officials about potential financial assistance for Detroit’s recovery.

Inspectors identify damage to homes and businesses

The Buildings, Safety Engineering and Environmental Department has identified storm damage at:

• 55 businesses 
• 24 single-family homes 
• 21 multifamily properties 
• One manufactured home 

Among the 55 affected businesses, 20 sustained major damage, 16 were classified as affected and 10 sustained minor damage. Nine properties have been identified as potentially requiring emergency demolition.

Of the 24 impacted single-family homes, five sustained major damage, 14 were classified as affected and five sustained minor damage.

Inspections and damage assessments remain ongoing.

Public safety response

From 3:30 p.m. on Sept. 3 through 11 a.m. on Sept. 4, the Detroit Fire Department received 49 storm-related calls for service.

DFD deployed a battalion chief, four fire companies, emergency medical personnel, fire marshals and thermal-imaging drones to search affected areas and evaluate hazards.

The Detroit Police Department mobilized additional patrols to document storm-related incidents, secure dangerous locations and establish barricades near downed power lines and damaged structures. 

Crews clear streets and remove debris

General Services Department and Department of Public Works crews have:

• Removed 295 fallen trees 
• Cleared 83 streets 
• Removed 520 piles of tree debris 
• Hauled away 114 loads of debris totaling approximately 2,180 cubic yards, or 342 tons 

DPW has gone from 100 traffic signals being without power, down to zero.

Crews continue responding to affected areas across Detroit, including locations outside the formally declared disaster area.  

City connects affected residents with assistance

The Department of Human, Homeless and Family Services has provided direct assistance to nine households with immediate housing needs.

The department has:

• Connected all nine households with the American Red Cross and drop-in center resources 
• Coordinated with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services on replacement SNAP food assistance 
• Arranged emergency board-up and property stabilization support for five households 
• Coordinated emergency Housing Choice Voucher assistance for two households that experienced total property loss 
• Activated emergency response support through the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine 
• Coordinated generator support and utility restoration for three emergency shelters affected by power outages 

Senior Affairs staff also provided on-site support and advocacy at three senior residential buildings that experienced power outages: Jennings, Gardenview and St. Martha’s.

The Department of Neighborhoods continues working in affected communities to identify needs, provide information and connect residents with available services.

Community partners supporting recovery efforts include The Home Depot, GenesisHOPE and the Islandview Neighborhood Association. 

Resources for residents

Downed trees or damaged buildings: Use the Improve Detroit app or call (313) 590-3336.

Housing or emergency shelter assistance: Call the Detroit Housing Resource HelpLine at 866-313-2520.

Power outages: Report an outage to DTE Energy online or call 800-477-4747.

Downed power lines: Stay at least 25 feet away from the line and anything it may be touching. Keep others away and call 911 immediately.

Residents can also sign up for Detroit Alerts 365 to receive free, Detroit-specific emergency notifications by phone, text message or email at DetroitMI.gov/DetroitAlerts365.

“I am incredibly proud of how city departments have responded so quickly and effectively to support Detroit residents and businesses affected by this powerful storm,” said Mayor Sheffield. “Full recovery will take some time and City government will be here to support storm victims every step of the way.”