4:51 p.m. Thursday
Power has now been restored to 97% of metro Detroit customers, according to DTE.
11:30 a.m. Thursday
As of 11:30 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28, DTE Energy says crews have restored power to nearly 90,000 of the 106,000 customers who were affected by the strong winds that swept through southeast Michigan Wednesday night.
6 a.m. Thursday
As of 6 a.m. on Thursday, Nov. 28, DTE Energy says crews have restored power to more than 77 percent of the 106,000 customers impacted through midnight Wednesday by the severe weather that hit southeast Michigan yesterday.
Wednesday night
DTE Energy says there are 23,000 people are without power across metro Detroit as heavy wind gusts continue to hit the area. A total of 78,000 customers were affected Wednesday.
Wind gusts higher than 50 mph were reported in some areas.
According to the outage map, the power outages are scattered, but there are major outages in parts of northern Oakland County into Lapeer County, parts of Wayne and Monroe counties, and more than 3,000 out near Harrison Township and Mt. Clemens.
DTE says there are currently reports of 350 downed wires and crews are working to secure them.
As a safety precaution, if you see a downed power line, stay at least 20 feet away from it and always treat it like a live wire. Also, never use a portable generator inside of your home because it emits carbon monoxide, which can be deadly. Keep generators outside and away from windows.
For customers who have lost power or see a downed power line, there are three ways to contact DTE – either by phone at 800-477-4747, on the web at dteenergy.com or you can access the DTE Energy Mobile App from your smart phone or tablet.
Here are some additional storm safety tips to follow:
- Never drive across a downed power line. If a power line falls on your vehicle, remain inside until help arrives.
- Always operate generators outdoors to avoid dangerous buildup of toxic fumes.
- Don’t open refrigerators or freezers more often than absolutely necessary. A closed refrigerator will stay cold for 12 hours. Kept closed, a well-filled freezer will preserve food for two days.
- Turn off or unplug all appliances to prevent an electrical overload when power is restored. Leave on one light switch to indicate when power is restored.
- If a customer is elderly or has a medical condition that would be adversely impacted by a power outage, they should try to make alternative accommodations with family or friends.
- During low-voltage conditions – when lights are dim and television pictures are smaller – shut off motor-driven appliances such as refrigerators to prevent overheating and possible damage. Sensitive electronic devices also should be unplugged.
- 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. This can cause serious or even fatal injury.
- Assemble an emergency kit. It should include a battery-powered radio, a flashlight and candles, extra batteries, a first-aid kit, a fire extinguisher, bottled water, and non-perishable food.
- Customers who depend on electrically powered medical equipment should ask their physician about an emergency battery back-up system. If a customer is elderly or has a medical condition that would be adversely impacted by a power outage, they should develop an emergency plan that allows for alternative accommodations with family or friends.
- Keep a corded or cell phone on hand because a cordless telephone needs electricity to operate. Also, customers should learn how to manually open automated garage doors.
- Customers who depend on a well for drinking water need to plan ahead on how they will obtain water. Store containers of water for cooking and washing.
