Detroit Tornado Damages Homes, Knocked Down Trees, Mayor Says

DETROIT — A man was injured and several homes were damaged in Detroit after a tornado touched down during a wave of severe storms Thursday afternoon, according to Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield.

Sheffield said the man was injured while protecting his newborn baby as a large tree fell on his home. She said he suffered a dislocated shoulder and that the city's services team is working with the family.

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She said no other injuries were reported.

The mayor said the National Weather Service confirmed the tornado touched down in the Mount Elliott and East Vernon area and moved southeast toward the Belle Isle area.

Officials have not yet released specifics about the twister. It is the first tornado to hit Detroit since 1997.

"I visited Detroit's east side to survey damage from a confirmed tornado in the area bounded by East Vernor Highway, East Jefferson Avenue, Mt. Elliott Street and East Grand Boulevard," Sheffield said in a release. "I saw severely damaged homes and buildings, fallen trees and downed power lines."

Sheffield said Detroit has launched a multi-department effort to check on residents in the impacted areas and clear debris.

Cleanup efforts were also underway on Belle Isle. The Belle Isle Conservancy is asking for volunteers to help with the cleanup, which officials said could take days.

More information about those cleanup efforts can be found on the conservancy's website.

Officials said the storm knocked out power to roughly 100 intersections across the city. They are planning to place generators at some locations.

Officials said there were also roughly 80 trees downed across the city. They have cleared about 50 trees and removed several that were blocking roadways.

To report downed trees or damaged buildings, please use the Improve Detroit App or call (313) 590-3336.

If you are in need of housing assistance, please call our housing helpline at 866-313-2520.

If your power is out, you can call DTE Energy at 877-447-4747. If you come across a down powerline, please stay away from it and call 911 immediately.