A powerful tornado caused significant damage and injured nearly 100 people when it touched down on July 2, 1997. The tornado carved a path through several areas, including Highland Park and Hamtramck, before dissipating. Damage from the storm totaled nearly $100 million across northern Wayne County.

The storm that produced the tornado was triggered by a powerful cold front moving into a hot, unstable air mass, leading to severe thunderstorms. Further details about the tornado and its impact are available.

The tornado was classified as an F2 and was the last to touch down in a particular city until recently, with the city experiencing nearly 30 years without a tornado.