Severe storms hit Oakland County on Wednesday, bringing strong winds and heavy rains that caused significant damage to residents and business owners. Cleanup efforts were underway after the storms quickly passed through Southeast Michigan, causing damage to structures, trees, and power lines along the way. In Ferndale, some of the worst damage occurred, surprising residents with the force of the storm.
Several buildings in Ferndale, including an apartment complex at 9 Mile Road and Paxton Street, were damaged by the strong storms. Part of the roof blew off the building, injuring a resident on the fifth floor. She was taken to the hospital, although the extent of her injuries was not immediately clear. Aliyah Mcgawe, the executive director of the Ferndale Housing Commission, mentioned that some residents might need to be accommodated in a hotel due to the damage.
Numerous businesses on 9 Mile Road in Ferndale were also affected by the storm, including a restaurant, an auto repair shop, and a vintage store. Steve Humphreys, the owner of Vogue Vintage, described water leaking in from multiple areas and holes in the ceiling, unaware that the roof had blown off. The aftermath of the storm left a mess in Oakland County, intensifying the cleanup efforts required after the high winds, lightning, and heavy rains.