High winds batter SE Michigan

UPDATE (4 p.m. Thursday): The warning was downgraded to an advisory Thursday afternoon. Gusts are still expected to reach about 50 miles and hour.  

About 12,000 DTE Energy customers were without power earlier in the day. By 5 p.m. that number dropped to 6,000.

Hold on to your hats and whatever's not nailed down Thursday, it's going to be a windy day.

A High Wind Warning was in effect from 6 a.m. until 10 p.m. Wind gusts were expected to be near 60 miles an hour.

As of Wednesday night, the winds were making their way over Iowa, spinning in our direction, according to FOX 2 Weather Authority Rich Luterman.

The warning had been in effect for all of southeast Michigan including Genesee, Lapeer, Lenawee, Livingston, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, St. Clair, Washtenaw and Wayne counties.

Rich Luterman talks about what to expect.

And DTE Energy is on high alert with extra crews from surrounding states ready to help if need be. 

They caution to stay away from downed power lines if you see them in your area. To report them, call 1-800-477-4747 or through DTE's mobile app.