Massive Power Outage In the U.P.
MARQUETTE (WWJ) - A good portion of the Upper Peninsula is in the dark, Tuesday, after massive early morning storms struck the area.
WWJ Newsradio 950 spoke with Houghton Sheriff's Office Sergeant Dan Judnich who said they had some severe flash flooding that closed area roadways.
Now, like everyone else, they're just waiting for the lights to come back on.
"We're operating as best as we can right now and I'm assuming that Upper Peninsula Power Company's out there doing what they can do, and hopefully we'll have our power back shortly," Judnich said.
"But, you know, everything else is closed down. Gas stations are closed; can't get any gas. Stuff like that," he said.
Upper Peninsula Power's Spokeswoman Lisa Prunty said two major lines remained without power. She said tens of thousands of homes and businesses were impacted by the outage.
"Right now we are trying to get crews out and there in a safe and orderly manner, that's the first thing -- that we want to make sure our customers are safe and that our line people are safe," she said, Tuesday morning.
Prunty said it could take until late afternoon or into the night to get the bulk of customers back online.
About 54,000 remained without power as of 10 a.m. Area schools and some hospitals are on a skeleton staff, due to the blackout.
Stay with WWJ for the latest.
