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Sunday's wind and ice knocks out power to 370,000 DTE customers

Published  April 16, 2018 11:40am EDT
News
FOX 2 Detroit

(WJBK) - The high winds and freezing rain in southeast Michigan Sunday left more than 310,000 without power. 

As of 10:30 a.m. Monday, DTE says they've restored power to more than 120,000 customers. Currently 250,000 are still without power, the majority being in Wayne County. 

DTE says they expect 90 percent of customers to have their power back by the end of the day Tuesday. Customers will receive a more detailed estimate once a crew has been assigned to their outage. Crews are working round the clock to restore service. Hundreds of workers from nearby states have been requested to help speed up the process.  

Dozens of schools canceled classes Monday due to power issues. 

In Warren, a fallen power line sparked a fire that destroyed 10 vehicles at a used car dealership.

Heavy rains caused scattered flooding and easterly winds were blamed for weekend flooding along Saginaw Bay off Lake Huron and in Monroe County off Lake Erie. A neighborhood in Frenchtown Township was evacuated early Sunday morning due to severe flooding, which was waist deep at one point. Other areas got heavy snow.

Viewers share photo's and videos from today's winter storm

DTE is reminding customers to stay at least 20 feet way from downed power line and to never use a portable generator inside.

If you see a downed power line, contact DTE at 1-800-477-4747, online at dtenergy.com, or on the DTE Energy app.

DTE Storm tips:   

  • 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.    

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This story will be updated as outage numbers change.