4Warn Weather – A winter storm bringing accumulating snow, gusty winds and icy conditions to Metro Detroit this weekend could cause power outages in the area.
Ice and snow could build up on tree branches starting Friday, Jan. 12 could cause them to break and fall into power lines, disrupting power. The buildup on the power lines could also cause the lines themselves to snap.
Just over 116,000 DTE Energy customers in Southeast Michigan were without power as of 10:50 a.m. on Saturday, according to the utility company’s outage center.
Strong winds are also expected across the region over the weekend, and could knock over trees and debris that could damage power lines.
---> Click here for the full storm forecast
DTE Energy said Friday morning that teams had been preparing for potential outages and the response to them. Some crews had already been “strategically placed” on Friday to respond more quickly and efficiently to any outages.
We’ll be tracking power outages caused by the storm, should they occur, in this article. You can visit DTE’s outage center for the most up-to-date outage information.
Report an outage to DTE here. Report an outage to Consumers Energy here.
What to do if you find downed power lines
Stay at least 20 feet away from downed power lines and keep children and pets inside.
DTE Energy said you should assume that all downed power lines are energized and dangerous.
You can report downed lines to DTE Energy by calling 800-477-4747 or to Consumers Energy by calling 800-477-5050.
If you believe the downed power line poses an immediate danger to the public, you should call 911.
Energized wires that have fallen may whip around, spark or arc as they look for a ground. Energized wires that have found their ground might not move at all or make any sound, but they are still dangerous.
Click here to learn more about electrical safety from DTE Energy.