Southeast Michigan Tornado Outbreak
Encyclopedia
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 neighborhoods and downtown, hitting northern Detroit between I-96
and Eight Mile Road, Hamtramck
and Highland Park
. The storms killed 7, caused local flooding, and destroyed houses. 5 of the fatalities were recorded in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan
due to straight-line winds of up to 100 mph that blew a gazebo full of people into Lake St. Clair
. 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.
, 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 90 °F (32 °C), with a heat index close to 104 °F (40 °C). After the storm passed, the temperatures dropped to 70 °F (21 °C).
For the next 6 to 8 hours, there were still thunderstorms rolling and rumbling through, and many people were afraid of further tornadic activity, especially since two-thirds of the City of Windsor were without power until the next morning. Many large trees were felled by the storm's winds as well.
were quite overwhelming, however. The steel girder viaduct was built in 1944, and was just two-lanes, going under the CN Rail line that leads to the Michigan Central Railway Tunnel
. The storms associated with the tornado outbreak dumped such a large amount of rain and floodwaters, that the viaduct was flooded up to the height of a car's roof, as one automobile was submerged (The driver was unharmed, however).
Since this viaduct was a well-known traffic bottleneck (even more so for transport trucks, since the viaduct was so low, it would peel the roof off their trailers), and would flood with around a foot of water from even a light rain, that it was completely closed, torn down, and rebuilt in August 1998, and finished 2 weeks ahead of schedule, and 2 million dollars under budget. The new underpass is built of concrete
, is four lanes wide, and is designed to handle the largest of transport trucks.
from July 1 to July 3, 1997. On July 1, several tornadoes touched down across western and northern Minnesota
north of the Twin Cities
Metropolitan Area of Minneapolis
and St. Paul. On July 3, several tornadoes touched down from eastern New York
to southern New Hampshire
. No other fatalities were reported outside of Michigan. In total, 52 tornadoes touched from northeastern Kansas
to New England
during the three-day event.
Detroit, Michigan
Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
. There were 13 tornadoes in total, 3 dragged through neighborhoods and downtown, hitting northern Detroit between I-96
Interstate 96
Interstate 96 is an intrastate Interstate Highway that is entirely within the US state of Michigan. Its western terminus is at an interchange with US Highway 31 and Business US Highway 31 , on the western boundary of Norton Shores southeast of Muskegon. Its eastern terminus is at I-75 near the...
and Eight Mile Road, Hamtramck
Hamtramck, Michigan
Hamtramck is a city in Wayne County of the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2010 census, the city population was 22,423. Hamtramck is surrounded by the city of Detroit except for a small portion of the western border that touches the similarly surrounded city of Highland Park...
and Highland Park
Highland Park, Michigan
- Geography :According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all land.- Demographics :As of the census of 2000, there were 16,746 people, 6,199 households, and 3,521 families residing in the city. The population density was 5,622.9 per square mile . There were 7,249...
. The storms killed 7, caused local flooding, and destroyed houses. 5 of the fatalities were recorded in Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan
Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan
Grosse Pointe Farms is a suburban city bordering Detroit located in Wayne County in the U.S. state of Michigan. It ranks as the 76th highest-income city in America. The population was 9,479 at the 2010 census. It is bordered by Grosse Pointe on the west, Detroit on the north, Grosse Pointe Woods...
due to straight-line winds of up to 100 mph that blew a gazebo full of people into Lake St. Clair
Lake Saint Clair (North America)
Lake St. Clair is a fresh-water lake named after Clare of Assisi that lies between the Province of Ontario and the State of Michigan, and its midline also forms the boundary between Canada and the United States of America. Lake St. Clair includes the Anchor Bay along the Metro Detroit coastline...
. One tornado formed east of the Detroit River
Detroit River
The Detroit River is a strait in the Great Lakes system. The name comes from the French Rivière du Détroit, which translates literally as "River of the Strait". The Detroit River has served an important role in the history of Detroit and is one of the busiest waterways in the world. The river...
, in Essex County
Essex County, Ontario
Essex County is a county and census division located in Southwestern Ontario and covers an area at the southernmost tip of Canada. The administrative seat is Essex...
, Ontario
Ontario
Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....
near Windsor, Ontario
Windsor, Ontario
Windsor is the southernmost city in Canada and is located in Southwestern Ontario at the western end of the heavily populated Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. It is within Essex County, Ontario, although administratively separated from the county government. Separated by the Detroit River, Windsor...
and caused damage in Windsor and Essex County. The strongest tornado
Tornado
A tornado is a violent, dangerous, rotating column of air that is in contact with both the surface of the earth and a cumulonimbus cloud or, in rare cases, the base of a cumulus cloud. They are often referred to as a twister or a cyclone, although the word cyclone is used in meteorology in a wider...
was listed as an F3.
Aftermath
Later that evening and the next day, the local television stations (such as WJBKWJBK
WJBK is the Fox–owned and operated television station in Detroit, Michigan broadcasting on digital channel 7...
, WDIV-TV
WDIV-TV
WDIV-TV, virtual channel 4, is an NBC-affiliated television station based in Detroit, Michigan, United States. It is owned by Post-Newsweek Stations and is the flagship station and home base of the group with the offices of the group located alongside WDIV's studios; the "Local" branding now...
, and WXYZ-TV
WXYZ-TV
WXYZ-TV, channel 7, is an ABC-affiliated television station in Detroit, Michigan, USA. WXYZ-TV is owned by the E.W. Scripps Company, and is the media company's largest-market TV station property...
) displayed video and images of downtown
Downtown
Downtown is a term primarily used in North America by English speakers to refer to a city's core or central business district ....
Detroit. One particular image showed the central tower of the Renaissance Center
Renaissance Center
Renaissance Center is a group of seven interconnected skyscrapers in Downtown Detroit, Michigan, United States. Located on the International Riverfront, the Renaissance Center complex is owned by General Motors as its world headquarters...
, with nearly every single glass
Glass
Glass is an amorphous solid material. Glasses are typically brittle and optically transparent.The most familiar type of glass, used for centuries in windows and drinking vessels, is soda-lime glass, composed of about 75% silica plus Na2O, CaO, and several minor additives...
window
Window
A window is a transparent or translucent opening in a wall or door that allows the passage of light and, if not closed or sealed, air and sound. Windows are usually glazed or covered in some other transparent or translucent material like float glass. Windows are held in place by frames, which...
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 90 °F (32 °C), with a heat index close to 104 °F (40 °C). After the storm passed, the temperatures dropped to 70 °F (21 °C).
For the next 6 to 8 hours, there were still thunderstorms rolling and rumbling through, and many people were afraid of further tornadic activity, especially since two-thirds of the City of Windsor were without power until the next morning. Many large trees were felled by the storm's winds as well.
Tecumseh Road viaduct
The effects on the Tecumseh Road viaduct on the west end of Windsor, OntarioWindsor, Ontario
Windsor is the southernmost city in Canada and is located in Southwestern Ontario at the western end of the heavily populated Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. It is within Essex County, Ontario, although administratively separated from the county government. Separated by the Detroit River, Windsor...
were quite overwhelming, however. The steel girder viaduct was built in 1944, and was just two-lanes, going under the CN Rail line that leads to the Michigan Central Railway Tunnel
Michigan Central Railway Tunnel
The Michigan Central Railway Tunnel is a railroad tunnel under the Detroit River connecting Detroit, Michigan, USA with Windsor, Ontario, Canada. The U.S. entrance is south of Porter St. and Vermont St. near Rosa Parks Blvd. The Canadian entrance is south of Wyandotte St. W. between Cameron Ave....
. The storms associated with the tornado outbreak dumped such a large amount of rain and floodwaters, that the viaduct was flooded up to the height of a car's roof, as one automobile was submerged (The driver was unharmed, however).
Since this viaduct was a well-known traffic bottleneck (even more so for transport trucks, since the viaduct was so low, it would peel the roof off their trailers), and would flood with around a foot of water from even a light rain, that it was completely closed, torn down, and rebuilt in August 1998, and finished 2 weeks ahead of schedule, and 2 million dollars under budget. The new underpass is built of concrete
Concrete
Concrete is a composite construction material, composed of cement and other cementitious materials such as fly ash and slag cement, aggregate , water and chemical admixtures.The word concrete comes from the Latin word...
, is four lanes wide, and is designed to handle the largest of transport trucks.
Other tornadoes
The Michigan tornado outbreak of July 2 was part of a larger outbreak stemming from a storm system that crossed the eastern part of North AmericaNorth America
North America is a continent wholly within the Northern Hemisphere and almost wholly within the Western Hemisphere. It is also considered a northern subcontinent of the Americas...
from July 1 to July 3, 1997. On July 1, several tornadoes touched down across western and northern Minnesota
Minnesota
Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state...
north of the Twin Cities
Twin cities
Twin cities are a special case of two cities or urban centres which are founded in close geographic proximity and then grow into each other over time...
Metropolitan Area of Minneapolis
Minneapolis, Minnesota
Minneapolis , nicknamed "City of Lakes" and the "Mill City," is the county seat of Hennepin County, the largest city in the U.S. state of Minnesota, and the 48th largest in the United States...
and St. Paul. On July 3, several tornadoes touched down from eastern New York
New York
New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east...
to southern New Hampshire
New Hampshire
New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian...
. No other fatalities were reported outside of Michigan. In total, 52 tornadoes touched from northeastern Kansas
Kansas
Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south...
to New England
New England
New England is a region in the northeastern corner of the United States consisting of the six states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut...
during the three-day event.
July 1 event
| F# Fujita scale The Fujita scale , or Fujita-Pearson scale, is a scale for rating tornado intensity, based primarily on the damage tornadoes inflict on human-built structures and vegetation... |
Location | County | Time (UTC) | Path length | Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kansas Kansas Kansas is a US state located in the Midwestern United States. It is named after the Kansas River which flows through it, which in turn was named after the Kansa Native American tribe, which inhabited the area. The tribe's name is often said to mean "people of the wind" or "people of the south... |
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| F1 | E of Woodlawn | Nemaha Nemaha County, Kansas Nemaha County is a county located in the northeastern part of the U.S. state of Kansas. As of the 2010 census, the county population was 10,178. The county seat is Seneca.- History :... |
1015 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Four barns and a machine shed were destroyed and a hay wagon was tossed some distance into a field | |
| Minnesota Minnesota Minnesota is a U.S. state located in the Midwestern United States. The twelfth largest state of the U.S., it is the twenty-first most populous, with 5.3 million residents. Minnesota was carved out of the eastern half of the Minnesota Territory and admitted to the Union as the thirty-second state... |
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| F1 | SE of Glenwood Glenwood, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 2,594 people, 1,131 households, and 629 families residing in the city. The population density was 466.0 people per square mile . There were 1,202 housing units at an average density of 215.9 per square mile... |
Pope Pope County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 11,236 people, 4,513 households, and 3,064 families residing in the county. The population density was 17 people per square mile . There were 5,827 housing units at an average density of 9 per square mile... |
2135 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
||
| F1 | Willmar Willmar, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 18,351 people, 7,302 households, and 4,461 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,549.9 people per square mile . There were 7,789 housing units at an average density of 657.8 per square mile... area |
Kandiyohi Kandiyohi County, Minnesota Kandiyohi County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of 2010, its population was 42,239. Its county seat is Willmar.- History :... |
2245 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
A warehouse was destroyed and the roof of a motel was damaged | |
| F1 | SW of Spicer Spicer, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 1,126 people residing in the city. The population density was 1,038.4 people per square mile . There were 605 housing units at an average density of 557.9 per square mile... |
Candiyohi Kandiyohi County, Minnesota Kandiyohi County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of 2010, its population was 42,239. Its county seat is Willmar.- History :... |
2250 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Cabins and boat docks were damaged | |
| F0 | W of Mentor Mentor, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 150 people, 82 households, and 45 families residing in the city. The population density was 79.3 people per square mile . There were 102 housing units at an average density of 53.9 per square mile... |
Polk Polk County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 31,369 people, 12,070 households, and 8,050 families residing in the county. The population density was 16 people per square mile . There were 14,008 housing units at an average density of 7 per square mile... |
2307 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
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| F0 | SE of Crow River | Meeker Meeker County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 22,644 people, 8,590 households, and 6,133 families residing in the county. The population density was 37 people per square mile . There were 9,821 housing units at an average density of 16 per square mile... |
2315 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Damage to trees | |
| F0 | W of Dassel Dassel, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 1,233 people, 515 households, and 313 families residing in the city. The population density was 832.7 people per square mile . There were 551 housing units at an average density of 372.1 per square mile... |
Meeker Meeker County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 22,644 people, 8,590 households, and 6,133 families residing in the county. The population density was 37 people per square mile . There were 9,821 housing units at an average density of 16 per square mile... |
2335 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
One barn was damaged and a tree was blown into a house | |
| F0 | SW of Terrebonne Terrebonne, Minnesota Terrebonne is a former townsite on the Clearwater River in Terrebonne Township, Red Lake County, Minnesota, United States. In 1901, the village of Terrebonne was the site of a thriving flour mill, a cheese factory, a blacksmith shop, a general store and an "eating place", the latter operated by... |
Red Lake | 2340 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
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| F3 | E of Rassat | Wright Wright County, Minnesota Wright County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota, founded in 1855. As of 2010, the population was 124,700. Its county seat is Buffalo.-History:... |
2343 | 5 miles (8 km) |
One home was completely destroyed | |
| F1 | W of Waverly Waverly, Minnesota Waverly is a city in Wright County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,357 at the 2010 census.-Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , of which, of it is land and of it is water.U.S... |
Wright Wright County, Minnesota Wright County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota, founded in 1855. As of 2010, the population was 124,700. Its county seat is Buffalo.-History:... |
0000 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Garages and barns were blown down and some structures had roof damage | |
| F2 | W of Monticello Monticello, Minnesota Monticello is a city in Wright County, Minnesota, United States. Monticello was founded in 1856 and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2006. The population was 12,759 at the 2010 census. The name Monticello is derived from the Italian word for "Little Mountain," it translates literally to... |
Wright Wright County, Minnesota Wright County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota, founded in 1855. As of 2010, the population was 124,700. Its county seat is Buffalo.-History:... |
0010 | 5 miles (8 km) |
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| F2 | SW of Monticello Monticello, Minnesota Monticello is a city in Wright County, Minnesota, United States. Monticello was founded in 1856 and celebrated its 150th anniversary in 2006. The population was 12,759 at the 2010 census. The name Monticello is derived from the Italian word for "Little Mountain," it translates literally to... |
Wright Wright County, Minnesota Wright County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota, founded in 1855. As of 2010, the population was 124,700. Its county seat is Buffalo.-History:... |
0010 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
Two tornadoes which merged together produced extensive damage in the Monticello area | |
| F0 | Red Lake Falls Red Lake Falls, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 1,590 people, 608 households, and 380 families residing in the city. The population density was 749.7 people per square mile . There were 652 housing units at an average density of 307.4 per square mile... area |
Red Lake | 0050 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
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| F1 | N of St. Francis St. Francis, Minnesota As of the census of 2009, there were 7,298 people, 1,638 households, and 1,300 families residing in the city. The population density was 210.6 people per square mile . There were 1,686 housing units at an average density of 72.3 per square mile... |
Anoka Anoka County, Minnesota Anoka County is the fourth-most populous county in the U.S. state of Minnesota. The county is bordered by the counties of Isanti on the north, Chisago and Washington on the east, Hennepin and Ramsey on the south, Sherburne on the west, and the Mississippi River on the southwest.As of 2010, Anoka... , Isanti Isanti County, Minnesota As of the census of 2010, there were 37,816 people, 14,331 households, and 8,415 families residing in the county. The population density was 71 people per square mile . There were 12,062 housing units at an average density of 28 per square mile... |
0052 | 10 miles (16 km) |
One barn collapsed | |
| F0 | Dorothy Dorothy, Minnesota Dorothy was a small town in Section 5, Louisville Township, Red Lake County, Minnesota, now a virtual ghost town. Dorothy initially was established as a railroad station in 1916-17 after the Northern Pacific Railway extended its line from Tilden Junction to Winnipeg and built a spur through Red... area |
Red Lake | 0113 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
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| F1 | E of Forest Lake Forest Lake, Minnesota Forest Lake is a city in Washington County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 18,375 at the 2010 census. It is located on Minnesota's 94th largest lake .Interstate 35 and U.S... |
Washington Washington County, Minnesota Washington County is a county established in 1849 in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of 2010, the population was 238,136. Its county seat is Stillwater.-History:... |
0115 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
Brief tornado with unknown damage | |
| F0 | N of Rock Creek Rock Creek, Minnesota Rock Creek is a city in Pine County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 1,628 at the 2010 census. Portions of the Mille Lacs Indian Reservation is located within Rock Creek.... |
Pine Pine County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 26,530 people, 9,939 households, and 6,917 families residing in the county. The population density was 19 people per square mile . There were 15,353 housing units at an average density of 11 per square mile... |
0204 | 4 miles (6.4 km) |
Weak tornado in a rural area which did not caused any damage | |
| F0 | N of Olivia Olivia, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 2,570 people, 75 households, and 658 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,102.7 people per square mile . There were 1,178 housing units at an average density of 505.4 per square mile... |
Renville Renville County, Minnesota As of the census of 2000, there were 17,154 people, 6,779 households, and 4,623 families residing in the county. The population density was 18 people per square mile . There were 7,413 housing units at an average density of 8 per square mile... |
0259 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| F0 | NE of Blomkest Blomkest, Minnesota Blomkest is a city in Kandiyohi County, Minnesota, United States. The population was 157 at the 2010 census. -Geography:According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of , all of it land. The surrounding topography is marked by flat to slightly rolling fields, almost all... |
Kandiyohi Kandiyohi County, Minnesota Kandiyohi County is a county located in the U.S. state of Minnesota. As of 2010, its population was 42,239. Its county seat is Willmar.- History :... |
0315 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
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| Wisconsin Wisconsin Wisconsin is a U.S. state located in the north-central United States and is part of the Midwest. It is bordered by Minnesota to the west, Iowa to the southwest, Illinois to the south, Lake Michigan to the east, Michigan to the northeast, and Lake Superior to the north. Wisconsin's capital is... |
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| F1 | SW of Conrath Conrath, Wisconsin Conrath is a village in Rusk County, Wisconsin, United States. The population was 98 at the 2000 census.-History:Founded as Main Creek, as Main Creek flows through the community, the village was renamed as Conrath... |
Rusk Rusk County, Wisconsin Rusk County is a county in the U.S. state of Wisconsin. As of 2000, the population was 15,347. Its county seat is Ladysmith. Founded in 1901, Rusk County was originally named "Gates" County. It was formed out of the northern portion of Chippewa County.... |
0444 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
A farmhouse lost its roof | |
| Source: Tornado History Project - July 1, 1997 Storm Data | ||||||
July 2 event
| F# Fujita scale The Fujita scale , or Fujita-Pearson scale, is a scale for rating tornado intensity, based primarily on the damage tornadoes inflict on human-built structures and vegetation... |
Location | County | Time (UTC) | Path length | Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan Michigan Michigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake".... |
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| F1 | NE of Roscommon Roscommon, Michigan Roscommon is a village in the U.S. state of Michigan. As of the 2000 census, the village population was 1,133. It is the county seat of Roscommon County.... |
Crawford Crawford County, Michigan See also: List of counties bordering eight counties-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 14,273 people, 5,625 households, and 4,038 families residing in the county. The population density was 26 people per square mile . There were 10,042 housing units at an average density of 18 per... , Oscoda Oscoda County, Michigan See also: List of counties bordering eight counties-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 9,418 people, 3,921 households, and 2,717 families residing in the county. The population density was 17 people per square mile . There were 8,690 housing units at an average density of 15 per... |
1900 | 13 miles (20.8 km) |
Damage mainly to trees including in the Huron National Forest. One home was destroyed | |
| F1 | W of Chesaning Chesaning, Michigan Chesaning is a village in Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,548 at the 2000 census. The village is located within Chesaning Township.-History:... |
Saginaw Saginaw County, Michigan -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 210,039 people, 80,430 households, and 55,818 families residing in the county. The population density was 260 people per square mile . There were 85,505 housing units at an average density of 106 per square mile... |
1941 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
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| F1 | SW of Chesaning Chesaning, Michigan Chesaning is a village in Saginaw County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 2,548 at the 2000 census. The village is located within Chesaning Township.-History:... |
Saginaw Saginaw County, Michigan -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 210,039 people, 80,430 households, and 55,818 families residing in the county. The population density was 260 people per square mile . There were 85,505 housing units at an average density of 106 per square mile... |
1950 | 0.3 miles (0.5 km) |
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| F1 | NE of Layton Corners | Saginaw Saginaw County, Michigan -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 210,039 people, 80,430 households, and 55,818 families residing in the county. The population density was 260 people per square mile . There were 85,505 housing units at an average density of 106 per square mile... |
2010 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
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| F1 | E of Au Gres Au Gres, Michigan Au Gres is a city in Arenac County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,028 at the 2000 census. It was first settled in 1862.-Geography:... |
Arenac Arenac County, Michigan -Demographics:As of the 2000 census, there were 17,269 people, 6,710 households, and 4,717 families residing in the county. The population density was 47 people per square mile . There were 9,563 housing units at an average density of 26 per square mile... |
2015 | 3 miles (4.8 km) |
Three homes were destroyed and several others damaged | |
| F1 | NW of Morseville | Genesee Genesee County, Michigan -Interstates:* I-69* I-75* I-475-Michigan State Trunklines:* M-13* M-15* M-21* M-54* M-57-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 436,141 people, 169,825 households, and 115,990 families residing in the county. The population density was 682 people per square mile . There were 183,630... |
2020 | 0.3 miles (0.5 km) |
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| F1 | E of Montrose Montrose, Michigan Montrose is a city in Genesee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,619 at the 2000 census. The city is situated within Montrose Township, but is politically independent.- History :... |
Genesee Genesee County, Michigan -Interstates:* I-69* I-75* I-475-Michigan State Trunklines:* M-13* M-15* M-21* M-54* M-57-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 436,141 people, 169,825 households, and 115,990 families residing in the county. The population density was 682 people per square mile . There were 183,630... |
2020 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
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| F1 | SE of Montrose Montrose, Michigan Montrose is a city in Genesee County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 1,619 at the 2000 census. The city is situated within Montrose Township, but is politically independent.- History :... |
Saginaw Saginaw County, Michigan -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 210,039 people, 80,430 households, and 55,818 families residing in the county. The population density was 260 people per square mile . There were 85,505 housing units at an average density of 106 per square mile... |
2020 | 1.5 miles (1.4 km) |
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| F3 | SE of Clio Clio, Michigan Clio is a city in Genesee County in the U.S. state of Michigan.As of the 2000 census, the city had a population of 2,483. Clio is home to Michigan's second tallest construction, the WEYI Tower... |
Genesee Genesee County, Michigan -Interstates:* I-69* I-75* I-475-Michigan State Trunklines:* M-13* M-15* M-21* M-54* M-57-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 436,141 people, 169,825 households, and 115,990 families residing in the county. The population density was 682 people per square mile . There were 183,630... |
2030 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
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| F1 | Oak Grove area | Livingston Livingston County, Michigan -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 156,951 people, 55,384 households, and 43,531 families residing in the county. The population density was 276 people per square mile . There were 58,919 housing units at an average density of 104 per square mile... |
2041 | 10 miles (16 km) |
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| F3 | E of Thetford Center | Genesee Genesee County, Michigan -Interstates:* I-69* I-75* I-475-Michigan State Trunklines:* M-13* M-15* M-21* M-54* M-57-Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 436,141 people, 169,825 households, and 115,990 families residing in the county. The population density was 682 people per square mile . There were 183,630... |
2045 | 1.7 miles (2.7 km) |
1 death | |
| F1 | NE of Columbiaville Columbiaville, Michigan Columbiaville is a village in Lapeer County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 815 at the 2000 census. The village is within Marathon Township on the Flint River.-History:... |
Lapeer Lapeer County, Michigan -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 87,904 people, 30,729 households, and 23,876 families residing in the county. The population density was 134 people per square mile . There were 32,732 housing units at an average density of 50 per square mile... |
2115 | 1 miles (1.6 km) |
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| F1 | NE of Holly Holly, Michigan Holly is a village in north Oakland County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 6,086 at the 2010 census. The village is located within Holly Township. It is about south of Flint and northwest of Detroit.- Demographics :... |
Oakland Oakland County, Michigan -Demographics:As of the 2010 Census, there were 1,202,362 people, 471,115 households, and 315,175 families residing in the county. The population density as of the 2000 census was 1,369 people per square mile . There were 492,006 housing units at an average density of 564 per square mile... |
2132 | 0.3 miles (0.5 km) |
1 death - 2 mobile home parks were heavily damaged with several mobile homes being damaged or destroyed by the winds and/or by rolling trailers. | |
| F2 | Detroit Detroit, Michigan Detroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River... area |
Wayne Wayne County, Michigan -History:Wayne County was one of the first counties formed when the Northwest Territory was organized. It was named for the American general "Mad Anthony" Wayne. It originally encompassed the entire area of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan, as well as small sections that are now part of northern... |
2200 | 5 miles (8 km) |
Affected portions of the city of Detroit. Up to 100 people were injured. Damage amounts was estimated at around $100 million. The towns of Hamtramck and Highland Park were also heavily affected | |
| F0 | SE of Romeo Romeo, Michigan Romeo is a village in Macomb County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 3,721 at the 2000 census. The village is situated at the southeast corner of Bruce Township, with a portion extending south into Washington Township. Armada Township is adjacent to the east and Ray Township to the... |
Macomb Macomb County, Michigan -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 788,149 people, 309,203 households, and 210,876 families residing in the county. The population density was 1,640 people per square mile . There were 320,276 housing units at an average density of 667 per square mile... |
2213 | 0.7 miles (1.1 km) |
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| Indiana Indiana Indiana is a US state, admitted to the United States as the 19th on December 11, 1816. It is located in the Midwestern United States and Great Lakes Region. With 6,483,802 residents, the state is ranked 15th in population and 16th in population density. Indiana is ranked 38th in land area and is... |
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| F0 | E of Noblesville Noblesville, Indiana Noblesville is a city in and the county seat of Hamilton County, Indiana, United States, located just north of Indianapolis. The population was 51,969 at the 2010 census making it the 14th largest city/town in the state, up from 19th in 2007... |
Hamilton Hamilton County, Indiana Hamilton County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. Census 2010 recorded a population of 274,569. The county seat is Noblesville.... |
2012 | 0.5 miles (0.8 km) |
Damage to a barn, an outbuilding and trees | |
| F2 | Anderson Anderson, Indiana Anderson is a city in and the county seat of Madison County, Indiana, United States. It is the principal city of the Anderson, Indiana Metropolitan Statistical Area which encompasses Madison county. Anderson is the headquarters of the Church of God and home of Anderson University, which is... area |
Madison Madison County, Indiana As of the census of 2000, there were 133,358 people, 53,052 households, and 36,234 families residing in the county. The population density was 295 people per square mile . There were 56,939 housing units at an average density of 126 per square mile... |
2040 | 5 miles (8 km) |
35 homes and one business were damaged | |
| F0 | New Castle New Castle, Indiana As of the census of 2000, there were 17,780 people, 7,462 households, and 4,805 families residing in the city. The population density was 2,987.5 people per square mile . There were 8,042 housing units at an average density of 1,351.3 per square mile... area |
Henry Henry County, Indiana As of the census of 2000, there were 48,508 people, 19,486 households, and 13,971 families residing in the county. The population density was 124 people per square mile . There were 20,592 housing units at an average density of 52 per square mile... |
2104 | 0.1 miles (0.16 km) |
Damage limited to trees | |
| Ontario Ontario Ontario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa.... |
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| F1 | Merlin Merlin, Ontario Merlin is a small farming community inhabited by 750 residents located in Southwestern Ontario. It lies five kilometres due north off the shores of Lake Erie in the municipality of Chatham-Kent.Merlin is the hometown of country music singer Michelle Wright.... /Erieau area |
Essex Essex County, Ontario Essex County is a county and census division located in Southwestern Ontario and covers an area at the southernmost tip of Canada. The administrative seat is Essex... , Kent Kent County, Ontario Kent County, area 2,458 sq km is a historic county in the Canadian province of Ontario. Population in 2006 was 108,589.The county was created in 1792 and named by John Graves Simcoe in honour of the English County. The county is in an alluvial plain between Lake St... |
2030 | 18.8 miles (30 km) |
Some structures lost their roofs and barns were destroyed | |
| Ohio Ohio Ohio is a Midwestern state in the United States. The 34th largest state by area in the U.S.,it is the 7th‑most populous with over 11.5 million residents, containing several major American cities and seven metropolitan areas with populations of 500,000 or more.The state's capital is Columbus... |
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| F0 | Dublin Dublin, Ohio Dublin is a city in Franklin, Delaware, and Union counties in the U.S. state of Ohio. The population was 41,751 at the 2010 census. Dublin is a suburb of Columbus, Ohio. Approximately 57,000 people live within the Dublin school district.... area |
Franklin Franklin County, Ohio Franklin County is a county located in the state of Ohio, United States. In 2010 the population was 1,163,414, making it the second largest county in Ohio and the 34th largest county in population in the United States. Franklin County is also the largest in the eight-county Columbus, Ohio... |
2230 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
Minor damage to several homes and numerous were blown down. | |
| F2 | E of Xenia Xenia, Ohio Xenia is a city in and the county seat of Greene County, Ohio, United States. The municipality is located in southwestern Ohio 21 miles from Dayton and is part of the Dayton Metropolitan Statistical Area... |
Greene Greene County, Ohio Greene County is a county located in the state of Ohio, United States. The population was 161,573 in the 2010 Census. Its county seat is Xenia, and it was named for General Nathanael Greene, an officer in the Revolutionary War. Greene County was established on March 24, 1803.Greene County is part... |
2300 | 0.2 miles (0.32 km) |
A house was blown off its foundation and moved 35 feet away. | |
| F3 | SW of Felicity Felicity, Ohio Felicity is a village in Clermont County, Ohio, United States. The population was 922 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Felicity is located at .... |
Clermont Clermont County, Ohio Clermont County is a county located in the state of Ohio, United States, just east of Cincinnati. As of 2010, the population was 197,363. Its county seat is Batavia... |
0030 | 12 miles (19.2 km) |
56 mobile homes and 27 single homes were damaged or destroyed. Barns and sheds were also destroyed. | |
| Source: Tornado History Project - July 2, 1997 Storm Data, 1997 Ontario tornadoes | ||||||
July 3 event
| F# Fujita scale The Fujita scale , or Fujita-Pearson scale, is a scale for rating tornado intensity, based primarily on the damage tornadoes inflict on human-built structures and vegetation... |
Location | County | Time (UTC) | Path length | Damage | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| New York New York New York is a state in the Northeastern region of the United States. It is the nation's third most populous state. New York is bordered by New Jersey and Pennsylvania to the south, and by Connecticut, Massachusetts and Vermont to the east... |
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| F1 | E of Pumpkin Hollow | Columbia Columbia County, New York Columbia County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 63,096. The county seat is Hudson. The name comes from the Latin feminine form of the name of Christopher Columbus, which was at the time of the formation of the county a popular proposal... |
2123 | 5.3 miles (8.5 km) |
Two houses and a barn were damaged | |
| F1 | S of Queechy | Columbia Columbia County, New York Columbia County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 63,096. The county seat is Hudson. The name comes from the Latin feminine form of the name of Christopher Columbus, which was at the time of the formation of the county a popular proposal... |
2317 | 1.2 miles (1.9 km) |
Several residences were damaged and a carport was moved | |
| F2 | N of Cannan Center | Columbia, NY Columbia County, New York Columbia County is a county located in the U.S. state of New York. As of the 2010 census, the population was 63,096. The county seat is Hudson. The name comes from the Latin feminine form of the name of Christopher Columbus, which was at the time of the formation of the county a popular proposal... , Berkshire, MA Berkshire County, Massachusetts Berkshire County is a non-governmental county located on the western edge of the U.S. state of Massachusetts. As of the 2010 census, the population was 131,219. Its largest city and traditional county seat is Pittsfield... |
2320 | 1.5 miles (2.4 km) |
In New York state, four greenhouse structures were damaged while a three-story home had its roof blown off and the garage completely destroyed and removed from its foundation. One home in Massachusetts was damaged. | |
| Massachusetts Massachusetts The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010... |
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| F1 | SE of North Adams North Adams, Massachusetts North Adams is a city in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, United States. It is part of the Pittsfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area. The population was 13,708 as of the 2010 census, making it the least populous city in the state... |
Berkshire Berkshire County, Massachusetts Berkshire County is a non-governmental county located on the western edge of the U.S. state of Massachusetts. As of the 2010 census, the population was 131,219. Its largest city and traditional county seat is Pittsfield... |
2136 | 1.3 miles (2.1 km) |
One home lost most of its roof shingles and the steeple of a church was blown off | |
| F1 | W of Colrain Colrain, Massachusetts Colrain is a town in Franklin County, Massachusetts, United States. The population was 1,813 at the 2000 census. It is part of the Springfield, Massachusetts Metropolitan Statistical Area.- History :Colrain was first settled in 1735 as "Boston Township No... |
Franklin Franklin County, Massachusetts -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 71,535 people, 29,466 households, and 18,416 families residing in the county. The population density was 102 people per square mile . There were 31,939 housing units at an average density of 46 per square mile... |
2158 | 4.5 miles (7.2 km) |
Extensive tree damage, a silo was destroyed, the roof of a barn was damaged and a tractor was flipped over | |
| F2 | NW of Hephzibah Heights | Berkshire Berkshire County, Massachusetts Berkshire County is a non-governmental county located on the western edge of the U.S. state of Massachusetts. As of the 2010 census, the population was 131,219. Its largest city and traditional county seat is Pittsfield... |
2205 | 4.5 miles (7.2 km) |
10 to 20 homes were heavily damaged | |
| F2 | N of West Otis | Berkshire Berkshire County, Massachusetts Berkshire County is a non-governmental county located on the western edge of the U.S. state of Massachusetts. As of the 2010 census, the population was 131,219. Its largest city and traditional county seat is Pittsfield... |
2211 | 3.7 miles (5.9 km) |
15 to 20 homes were damaged | |
| F1 | W of Griswoldville | Franklin Franklin County, Massachusetts -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 71,535 people, 29,466 households, and 18,416 families residing in the county. The population density was 102 people per square mile . There were 31,939 housing units at an average density of 46 per square mile... |
2258 | 8.5 miles (13.6 km) |
15 trailers at a campground were damaged including one destroyed | |
| New Hampshire New Hampshire New Hampshire is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. The state was named after the southern English county of Hampshire. It is bordered by Massachusetts to the south, Vermont to the west, Maine and the Atlantic Ocean to the east, and the Canadian... |
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| F1 | SE of Swanzey Swanzey, New Hampshire Swanzey is a town in Cheshire County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 7,230 at the 2010 census. In addition to the town center, Swanzey includes the villages of East Swanzey, West Swanzey, North Swanzey, and Westport.-History:... |
Cheshire Cheshire County, New Hampshire -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 73,825 people, 28,299 households, and 18,790 families residing in the county. The population density was 104 people per square mile . There were 31,876 housing units at an average density of 45 per square mile... |
2313 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
A house barn was destroyed and an ice arena was damaged. Extensive tree damage | |
| F2 | E of Greenfield Greenfield, New Hampshire Greenfield is a town in Hillsborough County, New Hampshire, United States. The population was 1,749 at the 2010 census. Greenfield is home to the Crotched Mountain Rehabilitation Center, to Greenfield State Park, and to part of the Wapack Trail.- History :... |
Hillsborough Hillsborough County, New Hampshire -Demographics:As of the census of 2000, there were 380,841 people, 144,455 households, and 98,807 families residing in the county. The population density was 435 people per square mile . There were 149,961 housing units at an average density of 171 per square mile... |
2355 | 2 miles (3.2 km) |
A recycling facility was destroyed. Buildings at a campground, wood and aluminium buildings and a sawmill were damaged | |
| Source: Tornado History Project - July 3, 1997 Storm Data | ||||||
See also
- List of Canadian Tornadoes
- List of North American tornadoes and tornado outbreaks
- List of tornadoes striking downtown areas
Sources
- WDIV-TVWDIV-TVWDIV-TV, virtual channel 4, is an NBC-affiliated television station based in Detroit, Michigan, United States. It is owned by Post-Newsweek Stations and is the flagship station and home base of the group with the offices of the group located alongside WDIV's studios; the "Local" branding now...
, NBCNBCThe National Broadcasting Company is an American commercial broadcasting television network and former radio network headquartered in the GE Building in New York City's Rockefeller Center with additional major offices near Los Angeles and in Chicago...
4 DetroitDetroit, MichiganDetroit is the major city among the primary cultural, financial, and transportation centers in the Metro Detroit area, a region of 5.2 million people. As the seat of Wayne County, the city of Detroit is the largest city in the U.S. state of Michigan and serves as a major port on the Detroit River...
, MichiganMichiganMichigan is a U.S. state located in the Great Lakes Region of the United States of America. The name Michigan is the French form of the Ojibwa word mishigamaa, meaning "large water" or "large lake".... - CBET-TV, CBC 9 WindsorWindsor, OntarioWindsor is the southernmost city in Canada and is located in Southwestern Ontario at the western end of the heavily populated Quebec City – Windsor Corridor. It is within Essex County, Ontario, although administratively separated from the county government. Separated by the Detroit River, Windsor...
, OntarioOntarioOntario is a province of Canada, located in east-central Canada. It is Canada's most populous province and second largest in total area. It is home to the nation's most populous city, Toronto, and the nation's capital, Ottawa....