DETROIT – As a winter storm prepares to drop significant snow across Michigan starting Friday, utility companies are also preparing for the possibility of power outages.
Officials with DTE Energy said Friday, Jan. 12 that employees from across the company, “from gas employees to accountants,” have been strategically placed in the field in preparation of potential power outages in Southeast Michigan this weekend. DTE also has more than 1,000 line workers -- from DTE and companies in other states -- ready to go in case they’re needed to restore power, according to Bill Hutchinson, DTE’s director of emergency preparedness and response.
Outages are a possibility throughout the Great Lakes State due to an impactful storm moving in Friday.
Multiple inches of snow accumulation are possible in Metro Detroit starting Friday afternoon. The snow will switch to rain overnight Friday, and will switch back to snow by early Saturday morning, generating a few more inches of snow. Temperatures are expected to start plummeting on Saturday, and could freeze any precipitation from the storm.
Ice and snow accumulation can add significant weight on tree branches and power lines, which could cause them to snap. Strong winds in the region could also knock over trees and debris that could damage power lines.
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“We do understand how disruptive and uncomfortable it is to be without power,” Hutchinson said Friday morning. “Everyone at DTE is committed to getting your service restored as quickly and as safely as possible.”
In a press conference Friday, Hutchinson said DTE Energy has deployed its entire Storm Incident Command structure to plan for potential power outages and the company’s response to them. All of the company’s storm functions were “actively preparing” for the potentially severe weather, and thousands of people were “geared up” to assist with restoration efforts, officials said.
Customers can find the most up-to-date information about the number and location of outages and restoration efforts on DTE’s outage center web page right here.
- You can report an outage to DTE here.
Officials are urging people to avoid any downed power lines that might result from the storm. Because of the snow, downed power lines might be difficult to spot, so everyone is encouraged to “exercise extreme caution,” Hutchinson said.
Staying safe near downed power lines
Here are some tips from DTE Energy that can help you stay safe around downed power lines:
- Downed power lines may be hidden by debris, so be sure you and your loved ones watch for these hazards. Stay at least a bus length (20 feet) away from downed power lines and don’t touch anything they may be in contact with such as fences – always consider them live and dangerous.
- Never drive across a downed power line. If a power line falls on your vehicle, call 911 and remain inside until help arrives.
- Do not cross yellow caution tape, which indicates there is a downed power line in the area.
- 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.
- 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, causing serious or even fatal injury.
Brief forecast breakdown
All of Metro Detroit will be under a winter weather advisory Friday afternoon through Saturday afternoon.
Snow is projected to begin falling as early as midday Friday in Metro Detroit’s southern counties. The snow will move northward throughout the day, and will fully blanket the region by 5 p.m.
With temperatures mostly above freezing on Friday, all of this snow is expected to be wet and heavy. Our 4Warn meteorologists say the peak snowfall rates will occur Friday afternoon and evening, and could potentially reach an inch of snow per hour.
Starting around 8 p.m., the snow is expected to switch over to rain in Southeast Michigan. The rain/snow line will continue to shift northward throughout the evening and overnight into Saturday. This rain should melt any snow that accumulates on Friday.
Snow will redevelop on Saturday morning, though, as temperatures take a dive -- and that’s where the power outage concern begins.
Temperatures are expected to dip below freezing Saturday morning. That colder air could freeze any rain/snow moisture that lingers on surfaces, including that on tree branches, power lines and electrical equipment.
A lighter, drier snow will continue to fall Saturday as temperatures continue to plummet. Snow and ice could continue to build up through the day.
It’s likely that any accumulation will stick around for a while, since temperatures will continue to drop through the weekend and into next week. The high on Sunday will be 15 degrees, but temps will feel like they’re below zero due to the wind chill.
Full forecast here: Winter storm arrives Friday: What Metro Detroiters should know about snow, rain
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