Cleanup efforts have begun following devastating storms in parts of southeast Michigan

SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (CBS DETROIT) — According to the fire chief, more than half of all emergency calls that Southfield firefighters responded to on Wednesday – at least 91 of them – were storm-related.

While DTE crews were in the Pierce and Bedford Street area Thursday afternoon assessing the damage, TRS Pros Stump Grinding & Tree Services crews were also there, doing their best to handle all the calls they have received since the storm hit.

“It’s bad, big trees are falling on houses and through the roofs. It’s terrible,” said Aoday Hirmiz of TRS Pros.

Homeowner Joseph Bochinskni said a branch missed the corner of his house by a foot.

“There were a few moments when I wasn’t sure there wasn’t a tornado out here,” Bochinskni said. “The wind was probably the strongest I can remember. The power went out several times in quick succession. Thankfully it came back on. Some of my neighbors weren’t so lucky, though.”

In addition to the tree damage, there were also downed power lines that kept rescue workers busy all night long.

“Sometimes residents go out and want to look and investigate themselves, not knowing that there is actually a downed cable in the area. But you know, at a time like this, patience is the most important thing – time and patience,” said Southfield Fire Chief Johnny Menifee.

Birmingham police said the high volume of calls during a storm can overwhelm the dispatch center.

“It is helpful for residents to wait to report smaller, non-urgent situations, such as a fallen tree branch with no injuries or safety concerns or a road not blocked, so dispatchers can process and prioritize serious emergency calls,” said Ryan Kearney, Birmingham Police Department Chief of Operations.

The storm hit Oakland County around 10 p.m. Wednesday, bringing strong winds that sounded like “three bangs,” according to Stacey Tucker of Southfield.

A 60-foot-tall tree was uprooted and fell on Tucker’s home, causing significant damage and leaving her family shaken but unharmed.

Fortunately, Tucker’s grandson was not home when the ceiling collapsed in a bedroom, destroying a bunk bed.

The community has rallied around Tucker and his family, offering support and help. “I didn’t know people loved me so much,” he said, grateful for the outpouring of help.