MIAMI COUNTY — While no injuries were reported as a result of the county’s two EF0 tornadoes on Saturday night, damage was widespread.
According to Troy Fire Department Chief Matthew Simmons, there was “major and significant damage” to at least six businesses and four residential homes in the path of the storm.
“It was a unique event and came upon us fast,” Simmons said. “We luckily had no report of any injuries.”
Simmons said it was an FAA radar system that detected the tornado activity outside of the city limits, but by the time the system relayed the storm’s information to the National Weather Service, the storm had already passed through the majority of the city.
“By 2 a.m. (Sunday morning), everything that could be done was done,” Simmons said. “All in all, it was great to see the community pull together.”
Initial estimates include 77 homes and 19 businesses that recorded some level of damage, according to Simmons. Businesses most impacted by the storm included 84 Lumber on Arthur Street; former Little York Tavern restaurant at 112 W. Main St.; 206 W. Main St., occupied by Nolan Grier; The Caroline at 5 S. Market St.; the Thrush Home Improvement business at 121 NE Public Square; and 1 N. Market St., the home of Ruby’s Salon.
Simmons said the 121 NE Public Square building, owned by the Family Abuse Shelter, was heavily damaged due to the building’s fire suppression system that engaged when its roof was damaged, causing significant water damage to the building. On Monday, Simmons said Ruby’s Salon and Tokyo Peking were still without electricity and owners were working with county officials to obtain permits to reopen.
City of Troy Director of Public Service and Safety Patrick Titterington confirmed about 10 residents were displaced due to the storm damage.
Significant damage was reported at the following residences: 405 and 351 West Staunton Road, 1020 Meadow Lane and 309 Drury Lane.
Simmons said a train carrying chemicals struck down power lines on the train tracks behind Baird Funeral Home on North Market Street. He said that event was handled quickly and safely with the help of several organizations.
Simmons said the efforts of firefighters and Troy Police, as well as the parks department, helped clean-up move quickly to restore traffic flow and remove debris out of the right-of-way.
According to Simmons, the city is coordinating volunteer efforts with the help of the Troy Senior Citizen Center, to help assist elderly residents in need of clean-up help. Simmons said the majority of the clean-up efforts has been more “neighbors helping neighbors.”
The Dye Mill facility in Troy is closed for the season, but the city of Troy will pick up debris curbside through Jan. 31 following the weekend’s weather incident. Titterington said residents should pile brush, limbs and other storm related debris as they would leaves during leaf pick-up.
The city of Troy is organizing volunteer efforts to assist residents in the clean-up effort.
If you or your organization would like to offer volunteer services, forward your name, organization and contact information by email to [email protected], call the Troy Fire Department at (937) 335-1700, or message the city through the city of Troy’s Facebook or Twitter accounts.
— Mike Ullery contributed to this story
