DETROIT – More than 110,000 DTE Energy customers are without power Sunday as a winter storm barrels through Metro Detroit.
UPDATE: 310,000 customers without power, 1,200 wires down in Metro Detroit
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High winds and ice from the storm caused widespread outages. More residents are expected to lose power throughout the morning, according to DTE Energy representatives.
Click here to see specifics about the outages and DTE's outage map.
DTE crews are working to restore power throughout the area, but they're having trouble due to dangerous road conditions and ongoing weather, the company said.
Here's a statement about safety from DTE:
"Safety is always a priority. Customers should stay at least 20 feet away from all power lines and anything they’re in contact with, and consider them live. They are extremely dangerous. Treat every downed power line as if it were energized. Customers should also heed the warning of yellow caution tape, which indicates there is a downed power line in the area. DO NOT CROSS YELLOW CAUTION TAPE. Never use a portable generator inside a home or business. It emits carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. Keep it outside, away from windows and doors, so the fumes won’t come in."
DTE Storm tips
DTE offered several tips for customers dealing with outages or severe weather.
Never drive across a downed power line. If a power line falls on your vehicle, remain inside until help arrives.
Always operate generators outdoors to avoid dangerous buildup of toxic fumes.
Don’t open refrigerators or freezers more often than absolutely necessary. A closed refrigerator will stay cold for 12 hours. Kept closed, a well-filled freezer will preserve food for two days.
Turn off or unplug all appliances to prevent an electrical overload when power is restored. Leave on one light switch to indicate when power is restored.
If a customer is elderly or has a medical condition that would be adversely impacted by a power outage, they should try to make alternative accommodations with family or friends.
During low-voltage conditions – when lights are dim and television pictures are smaller – shut off motor-driven appliances such as refrigerators to prevent overheating and possible damage. Sensitive electronic devices also should be unplugged.
Stay out of flooded or damp basements or other areas if water is in contact with outlets or any electrically-operated appliance. The water or moisture may serve as a conductor of electricity. This can cause serious or even fatal injury.
Assemble an emergency kit. It should include a battery-powered radio, a flashlight and candles, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, bottled water and non-perishable food.
Customers who depend on electrically powered medical equipment should ask their physician about an emergency battery back-up system. If a customer is elderly or has a medical condition that would be adversely impacted by a power outage, they should develop an emergency plan that allows for alternative accommodations with family or friends.
Keep a corded or cell phone on hand because a cordless telephone needs electricity to operate. Also, customers should learn how to manually open automated garage doors.
Customers who depend on a well for drinking water need to plan ahead on how they will obtain water. Store containers of water for cooking and washing.