Southeast Michigan Tornado Outbreak

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The Southeast Michigan Tornado Outbreak occurred on July 2, 1997 in the built-up area of Detroit, Michigan. There were 13 tornadoes in total, 3 dragged through neighbourhoods and downtown, hitting nothern Detroit between I-96 and Eight Mile Road, Hamtramck and Highland Park. The storms killed 7, caused local flooding, and destroyed houses. One tornado formed east of the Detroit River, in Essex County, Ontario near Windsor, Ontario and caused damage in Windsor and Essex County. The strongest tornado was listed as an F3.

[edit] Aftermath

Later that evening and the next day, the local television stations (such as WJBK, WDIV-TV, and WXYZ-TV) displayed video and images of downtown Detroit. One particular image showed the central tower of the Renaissance Center, with nearly every single glass window blown out from the winds and debris of the storm. Similar results were found at many of the neighbouring towers and office buildings.

The temperatures on July 2 were very high, around 32 C (94 F), with a humidex close to 40 C (104 F). After the storm passed, the temperatures dropped to 18 C (70 F).