Metro Detroit Storm Damage: What Oakland, Macomb & Wayne County Property Owners Should Do Now

September 3, 2026 brought repeated rounds of strong and severe thunderstorms across Metro Detroit, including Oakland, Macomb and Wayne counties. National Weather Service warnings during the event included damaging wind gusts up to 60 mph and hail in parts of the tri-county area, with expected damage to roofs, siding and trees.

If your home or business was damaged today, the first priority is safety. Stay away from downed power lines, unstable trees, damaged electrical systems and areas with structural movement. Once it is safe, careful documentation can make a major difference in how clearly the insurance claim reflects the full scope of the loss.

Storm Damage We Are Seeing Across Metro Detroit

Severe thunderstorms can create several types of property damage at the same time. A wind event may lift shingles or siding, a falling tree may open the roof, rain may enter the building, and a nearby lightning strike may damage electrical components or appliances. Each part of the loss should be documented separately and together as one complete claim picture.

High-Wind Damage to Roofs, Siding and Exterior Components

Strong straight-line winds can remove shingles, loosen flashing, damage gutters, tear siding, break windows and damage exterior fixtures. Some wind damage is obvious from the ground, while other damage may not be discovered until water begins entering the home or a qualified inspection is performed.

Do not climb onto a wet or storm-damaged roof. Photograph visible damage from a safe location and arrange for qualified professionals to address emergency openings when necessary.

Trees and Large Limbs Falling on Homes

One of the most serious storm losses occurs when a tree or heavy limb falls onto a house, garage or commercial building. The visible impact point may be only part of the damage. The event can affect roofing, rafters, trusses, decking, siding, windows, interior ceilings, insulation, electrical systems and personal property.

Before debris is removed, take photographs and video from multiple safe angles whenever possible. Save invoices and receipts for tree removal, tarping, board-up work and other emergency measures. Coverage for tree removal and resulting building damage varies by policy and circumstances, so the claim should be reviewed carefully.

Lightning Strikes and Electrical Damage

Lightning does not have to leave a dramatic burn mark to cause property damage. A direct strike or nearby electrical surge may affect wiring, panels, HVAC equipment, appliances, electronics, garage door systems, security equipment and other electrical components.

If you notice burning odors, tripped breakers, damaged outlets or unusual electrical behavior after a storm, do not keep resetting equipment. Contact an appropriate licensed professional. Keep damaged items and service reports when practical because they may help document the cause and extent of the loss.

Hail Damage

Hail can damage shingles, metal roofing, gutters, siding, windows, screens, exterior finishes and other building components. Damage may be scattered or difficult to identify without a proper inspection. A carrier estimate that focuses only on one visible area may not necessarily describe every storm-damaged component.

Storm-Driven Rain and Interior Water Damage

When wind, hail or a fallen tree creates an opening in the building envelope, rain can enter walls, ceilings, insulation, flooring and contents. Water can also travel away from the original opening, making the visible stain only one piece of the loss.

Take photographs of wet materials and contents before they are discarded when it is safe to do so. Reasonable emergency drying and mitigation may be necessary to prevent additional damage, but keep records of what was removed, why it was removed and what work was performed.

What Metro Detroit Property Owners Should Do After Today’s Storms

First, protect people from electrical, structural and tree hazards. Second, photograph and video the damage before cleanup whenever conditions allow. Third, take reasonable steps to prevent additional damage, such as temporary tarping or board-up work, using qualified professionals when appropriate. Fourth, save damaged materials, receipts, invoices, estimates, service reports and all correspondence with the insurance company. Finally, avoid making permanent repair decisions before the loss has been thoroughly documented unless emergency conditions require immediate action.

How Advocate Claims Services Can Help

Advocate Claims Services is a Michigan-based public adjusting and loss consulting firm that represents the policyholder during the property insurance claim. We do not work for the insurance company.

For storm losses, ACS can help inspect and document the property, develop the scope of damage, organize photographs and records, review insurance company estimates, identify areas that may require additional documentation, coordinate claim information and communicate with the carrier regarding the property loss.

For commercial properties, a major storm can also interrupt operations, damage equipment or inventory and create additional expenses. Depending on the policy and circumstances, those financial components may also need to be documented as part of the claim.

Do You Need a Public Adjuster for Storm Damage?

Not every storm claim requires a public adjuster. However, it may be worth getting professional claim help when the damage is extensive, multiple parts of the property are involved, a tree has caused structural damage, there is significant interior water intrusion, electrical systems are affected, the carrier estimate appears incomplete, or the claim becomes difficult to manage.

You can contact ACS even if the claim has already been reported. We can review the available information and discuss whether public adjusting services may be appropriate for the loss.

Metro Detroit Storm Damage Help: Oakland, Macomb and Wayne Counties

ACS serves homeowners and businesses throughout Metro Detroit, including Oakland County, Macomb County and Wayne County. Today’s storms affected communities across the region, and the specific damage can vary dramatically from one property to the next.

If your property was damaged by high winds, hail, lightning, a fallen tree or storm-driven rain, document the loss carefully and contact Advocate Claims Services for a free claim review.

Call 855-ACS-2-WIN or use the Free Claim Review page at acsadjusters.com. Coverage, duties after loss and claim payments depend on the individual policy, cause of loss and facts of the claim.