260K in Metro Detroit without power

DETROIT (WJBK) - WEB UPDATE (9:30): According to DTE Energy, 260,000 customers remain without power.

Roughly 260,000 people in Metro Detroit are without power Friday afternoon as a powerful windstorm blows through the area.

DTE reported around 3:30 Friday that 260,000 customers were without power during the strong wind storm. According to the DTE outage map, the outages are scattered throughout the area with a large amount of people in the dark in Dearborn, Southfield/Birmingham, Grosse Pointe, Troy, and Livonia.

In Grosse Pointe, the intersection of Stanhope and Arthur was closed around 2 p.m. after power lines fell in the roadway.

The company expected the winds to impact southeast Michigan and crews were preparing resources just in case.

The strongest winds (gusts up to 50 MPH) are expected to end around 3 p.m. 

A wind advisory is in effect for all of southeast Michigan from 9 a.m. - 7 p.m. Friday. That's when the winds will die down and the cooler, less humid air moves in for the night. 

If you're one of the unlucky customers without power, here are some steps to take, courtesy of the state of Michigan:

• Use only flashlights or emergency lighting. Never use candles during a blackout or power outage due to fire risk.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed to keep the contents inside as fresh as possible. If you must eat food, check it carefully for signs of spoilage.
• Turn off or disconnect appliances and electronics. The return of power may cause surges that can damage them.
• If it is hot outside, move to the lowest level of your home, wear lightweight, light-colored clothing, and drink water.
• If it is cold outside, dress in warm clothing and layers, keep doors shut and never use the stove or charcoal as a source of heat.
• Use extreme caution when driving.
• Do not call 911 to ask about the power outage. Listen to a battery powered radio for updates.
• Avoid carbon monoxide poisoning by not using grills, unvented gas or kerosene heaters, generators or ovens and stoves in the house.

If you're still fortunate to have power, be ready because you could still lose it. DTE has provided a list of tips to prepare for the weather. Assemble an emergency kit in advance, including: 

Battery-powered radio or television (the news media will provide updates on when electricity will be restored)
Flashlights or battery-operated lanterns
Extra batteries
Candles with holders
Matches
Bottled water
Manual can opener
Nonperishable food
Disposable plates and utensils
Wind-up or battery-powered clock
Corded telephone (cordless phones don't work when the power goes out and your cell phone may not work if cell towers are affected)
For more information, visit dteenergy.com/storm.

DTE will send storm updates if or when they are necessary.