Southfield declares a State of Emergency due to severe storms, widespread damage

The areas hit hardest by recent storms are north and south of 12 Mile, particularly Cranbrook, between 12 Mile and 13 Mile roads, and Southfield and Evergreen roads. The curbs of Cranbrook Village were filled with piles of fallen tree branches.

SOUTHFIELD — Mayor Ken Siver declared a state of emergency June 1 because of widespread damage across the city caused by a severe thunderstorm that brought high winds and heavy rain.

With the state of emergency declaration, all available local resources and funding are being utilized to the fullest extent, the city said, and the response and recovery elements of Southfield’s Emergency Operations Plan have been activated.

The storm caused widespread power outages throughout the city, adversely affecting residents, businesses, city buildings and sanitary lift stations, according to the city. One fire station ended up operating on backup generator power.

The city is anticipating at least three or four additional weeks of storm debris cleanup from city right-of-ways and other areas. Trees and branches caused significant damage to numerous residents’ homes as well.

Damage assessments are underway by the Southfield Building Department.

Residents are reminded that all branches must be placed with the cut ends towards the curb for pickup and must be placed on the grass, not in the road.

Due to the storm and the amount of branches and brush, it may take longer than the designated trash collection day for everything to be collected, and the city said residents should also expect chipping delays.

For more information, visit cityofsouthfield.com.