High winds have been battering southwest Michigan today, causing thousands of power outages. Lake Michigan coatal areas have been affected the most. Indiana Michigan Power put out the below statement just before 5 p.m.
“Strong, frequent winds gusts upwards of 60 miles-per-hour continue to move across Indiana Michigan Power’s service territory. Approximately 8,400 customers are currently without power, down from a peak of 13,000 around 11 a.m.
Weather conditions are not expected to subside until the evening hours, which could hinder restoration efforts and cause additional outages. During high wind gusts, it is unsafe for crews to use bucket trucks, however we have more than 250 employees and contractors in the field assessing damage and restoring power.
I&M understands the inconvenience the prolonged strong wind event brings given the Thanksgiving holiday. A full contingent of I&M crews and contractors will work as safely and as quickly as possible until the last customer is restored.
Please remember to report any power outages. You can report outages and hazards on our mobile app or website. You can also call 24/7 at 800-311-4634.
SAFETY INFO
Please be aware of some potential hazards:
Downed power lines. Stay away from any downed wires and report them to I&M. You can call us at 800-311-4634, report on our app or website, or call 911.
Some trees are likely damaged and could fall or drop limbs at any moment; please look up and stay out of the line of fire.
Limbs, leaves and objects moved by the wind could hide downed wires. Investigate your surroundings before trying to clean up any debris.
Roads will likely be wet, slick and covered with debris or blocked by trees and limbs.
Traffic lights may not be functioning. Treat all such intersections as stop signs.
With holiday traffic, many people unfamiliar with the area are traveling our roads and young adults are home from school. Please use extra caution on all roadways.
Watch for utility workers and first responders at the side of the road and slow down near any work areas.
Before using a generator or a portable heater, be sure to review the manufacturers’ instructions.
Generators release carbon monoxide as exhaust and should never be run in the house or near an open window.
Refuel heaters, lamps, and generators outside, and stay away from any flames or sparks. Wipe up fuel spills immediately.
Never burn charcoal indoors. It releases carbon monoxide.
OUTAGE NUMBERS
The approximate number of outages in Indiana and Michigan areas as of 3:30 p.m. are:
Indiana Total Customer Outages: 3,150
Fort Wayne area: 1,300
Muncie/Marion area: 700
South Bend/Elkhart area: 1,150
Michigan Total Customer Outages: 5,250
Benton Harbor area: 4,300
Buchanan area: 850
Three Rivers area: 100
ESTIMATED RESTORATION TIMES (ETRs)
Estimated restoration times will be established once the weather moves through and crews fully assess the damages.
STAY INFORMED
I&M encourages customers to use the Indiana Michigan Power app to monitor the status of any outage affecting your home or business. IndianaMichiganPower.com/App You can sign up for text and email alerts on the app or at IndianaMichiganPower.com/Alerts See the location and status of outages using our outage map at IndianaMichiganPower.com/OutageMap.”
