Storms Leave Thousands Without Power, Freeways Waterlogged
DETROIT (WWJ) - Gusty storms that moved though metro Detroit Thursday night left thousands without power, neighborhoods scattered with damage and freeways flooded so badly that cars had trouble passing through.
DTE Energy said early Friday morning that 29,000 homes and businesses remain without power. Communities with larger outages include Clinton Township, Sterling Heights, Troy and the Southfield-Royal Oak border. Crews hope to have power fully restored by Friday night.
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.
The worst of the flooding was seen on I-94 just east of Livernois in Detroit, where two westbound lanes were blocked by water. On the eastbound side, the center lane was blocked by a semi-truck that stalled in the center lane while trying to pass through the water.
Several areas of standing water were reported on other freeways across the area, including on the Southfield Freeway and I-696, where traffic was moving far slower than normal.
I-94 e/o Livernois flooded. Pump malfunction. EB traffic approaching fast, hard braking. WB flared to 1 lane. @WWJ950 pic.twitter.com/rlq30jUry9
— Mike Campbell (@reportermikec) September 4, 2015
The storms brought gusty winds and hail almost the size of marbles to some communities. Trees were downed in Southfield and Farmington Hills while lightning struck a home in Redford Township, sparking a fire. No injuries were reported.
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