Power Out, Lines Down, Streets Flooded After Strong Storms Blow Across Southeast Michigan
DETROIT (WWJ) - Thousands of homes and businesses lost power, Thursday afternoon, as a line of severe storms rolled across metro Detroit.
Shortly after 4 p.m., DTE Energy's Scott Simons said there were around 25,000 power outages, scattered across the region -- by 11 p.m that number had been reduced to 14,000. One hard-hit area was Wixom/Walled Lake, where more than 2,500 customers were in the dark.
A power line came down causing traffic tie-ups at Orchard Lake and 12 Mile Road. Allen Road was closed near Pennsylvania and Beck Road was closed near Pontiac Trail, also reportedly due to storm damage.
A caller to the WWJ newsroom said motorists were struggling with flooding at Hall Road at Romeo Plank and at Garfield.
Lt. David Holt of the Redford Police said the storm struck the north side of his township. With high winds and a torrential downpour reported, primarily north of 7 Mile Road in the Inkster Road/Telegraph area.
"We had reports of anywhere from eight to maybe a dozen wires down in various neighborhoods in that area," he said.
There were trees down as well throughout Redford and a house was on fire on Poinciana Street. Holt said he's not sure if it was the result of a lightning strike. No one was hurt.
Hail was reported in Romulus and 40 mile-per-hour winds were reported in Mt. Clemens.
Heavy rain was reported near Flint, with tree limbs down near I-475 and Hill Road, and more than an inch of rain fell in a short time near Saginaw. A 59 mile-per-hour wind gust was recorded in Genesee County.
Simons said, while he didn't have a restoration estimation, DTE crews would be out working on the wires as soon as possible.
"We don't want to put our guys in dangerous situations, and they're pretty good about working safely and making sure that the weather is OK to work in," Simons said.
Simon reminds local residents to stay away from any downed power lines and never to touch them.
To report downed lines or a power outage to DTE, call 800-477-4747. You can make a report online or check the DTE outage map, HERE.
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