4Warn Weather – A winter storm brought snow, gusty winds, and icy conditions to Metro Detroit this weekend, causing some power outages in the area.
The strong winds and icy conditions have caused some power outages. 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.
Just over 25,000 DTE Energy customers in Southeast Michigan were without power as of 10:50 a.m. on Sunday, according to the utility company’s outage center.
DTE Energy expects 70% of customers in Southeast Michigan without power will have power restored by the end of the day Saturday. They expect to restore power to 95% of those customers by the end of the day Sunday.
You can enter your address to check your restoration estimate here.
The company brought in crews from across the country to help speed up restoration times. DTE Energy said the strong winds on Saturday could lead to more outages.
Report an outage to DTE here. Report an outage to Consumers Energy here.
Here’s how to stay safe
DTE Energy said to follow the following guidelines to 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.