Storm damage causes headache for Oakland County residents, business owners

FERNDALE, Mich. – Severe storms brought strong winds and heavy rains Wednesday that caused significant damage for some residents and business owners in Oakland County.

Cleanup efforts were underway Wednesday, April 17 after storms quickly blew through Southeast Michigan, damaging some structures, trees and power lines along the way. Some of the worst damage happened in Ferndale, where the force of the storm surprised residents.

Several buildings in Ferndale were damaged by the strong storms, including an apartment complex at 9 Mile Road and Paxton Street. There, part of the roof blew off the building.

A resident who lives on the fifth flood was reportedly hit in the head by crumbling debris. She was taken to the hospital, though the extent of her injuries were not immediately clear.

Aliyah Mcgawe, executive director of the Ferndale Housing Commission, said some residents would likely have to be put up in a hotel because of the damage.

Several businesses across 9 Mile Road were also damaged on Wednesday, including a restaurant, an auto repair shop, and a vintage store.

“I came up here to shut the lights off, and water is coming in everywhere,” said Steve Humphreys, owner of Vogue Vintage. “I see all these holes in the ceiling, I wasn’t aware that the roof had blown off already.”

You can see the damage in Jacqueline Francis’ full report below.