DTE: Under 20K Homes, Businesses Remain Without Power
UPDATE: As of Monday afternoon, DTE says about 17,000 customers remain without electricity, following this weekend's high winds. The majority of the power outages are in Wayne, Oakland, Livingston, and Tuscola counties. Approximately 120,000 customers lost service at some point over the weekend. DTE hopes to have most people back online by tonight.
DETROIT (WWJ) - Strong winds have left thousands of homes and businesses in the dark.
As of 4 p.m., DTE Energy spokesman Scott Simon says there were about approximately 84,000 customers without power, mainly in Oakland and Wayne counties, as well as the Thumb area. Simon says there's no word at this point on when service will be restored because it's too dangerous for the linemen to climb the poles.
"It's really incredible being up 20-30 feet in the air with these kinds of wind and the cold temperatures," Simon said. "it's a brutal job, and these guys are the unsung heroes of the restoration effort."
Simon says if your power is out, it's very likely that there's a downed line in the area. And, Simon says if you see a downed power line, steer clear.
More than 120,000 DTE Energy customers lost power as a result of high winds – up to 60 mph - overnight. DTE Energy crews have restored service to more than 10,000 customers since the storm started.
The majority of the power outages are in:
• Livingston County 8,200
• Wayne County 21,000
• Oakland County 19,000
• Macomb County 6,500
The remaining outages are scattered throughout DTE Energy's service area. Several areas in the Thumb Region were particularly hard hit, with as many as 20 percent of the area's residents and customers being impact. There were also reports of several hundred downed power lines throughout DTE Energy's service territory.
"We want to caution our customers that if their power is out, that there's a good likelihood of a downed power line to make sure of their surroundings and make sure that their children and pets are safely contained in their homes."
Simon cautions that if you see one, stay at least 20 feet away and call DTE immediately at 1-800-477-4747.
For the latest on weather conditions, click here.
DTE photos, HERE.
