Heavy Rain, Gusty Winds Hit Southeast Michigan Causing Outages, Damage
DETROIT (CBS DETROIT) - Heavy rain hit the area Sunday causing outages and leaving damage in its wake.
The severe storms that rolled across the Metro Detroit area took down trees and power lines. DTE spokesperson Scott Simons puts the number of customers without power at 165,000 as of Monday morning.
"We've had reports of nearly 1000 wires come down as a result of the storm, right now we are assessing damage," said Simons.
The majority of outages are in:
Oakland County: 96,000
Macomb County: 32,000
Wayne County: 19,000
Washtenaw County: 6,000
Livingston County: 5,000
Lapeer County: 5,000
"It started in the Hartland area and drove east from there, and it really didn't let up --destruction took trees into power lines and lightning strikes hitting electric equipment, so we're going to be assessing damage and have a better estimate for customers as far as when their power will be restored."
Simons says crews will be accessing the complete damage through the day and DTE expects to have electric service restored by late Wednesday night to the majority of its customers.
About 300 linemen from Ohio, Indiana and Wisconsin will be here Monday and Tuesday to assist in the restoration effort.
"Nothing is working at the low-voltage, you can not use the microwaves to heat up breakfast, TVs do not work, and the clocks, electric clocks do not work, everything is in a brown-out in Lincoln Park around Southfield and Fort Street," said a Lincoln Park resident.
I-75 at I-696 in both directions was closed due to flooding for about eight hours Sunday night moving into Monday morning.
There are issues with lights out at intersections as well as downed trees and branches affecting travel on local roads.
"The traffic lights are out on Union Lake Road between Wise Road and Martin Road," said one caller to WWJ.
The hardest hit areas are north of Brighton and into central Oakland County.
Weather spotters reported a wind gust of 70 mph in Bloomfield Hills around Woodward and Square Lake Road.
Most of that area is still without power. Golf ball sized hail was reported around White Lake.
Storm damaged homes and cars in Waterford Township. Trees were down near the Meadowcrest Subdivision near Cooley Lake and Hiller roads.
Folks in Livonia experienced heavy rain and hail as well.
Some people claim a tornado hit an area in Orchard Lake where trees were down and patio furniture was blown away but that has not been confirmed.
Large spots of Waterford, Pontiac and Royal Oak are also without electricity.
No injuries have been reported.
Anyone who may see a downed wire should stay at least 20 feet away from it and call police.
Customers can report an outage, check on the status of an outage, and view our outage map, all from their smart phones. Customers also may call DTE Energy at (800) 477-4747 to report power outages or downed lines.
Additional information on the storm – including an online Power Outage Map.
A tree lands on a Jeep during Sunday's storm. (WWJ/Pete Kowalski)
Should you lose power - keep these tips in mind:
· 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.
· Always operate generators outdoors to avoid dangerous buildup of toxic fumes.
· 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.
For the latest, be sure to stay with WWJ Newradio 950 for Traffic and Weather, every 10 minutes on the 8s.
Get the complete forecast anytime on CBSDetroit's Weather Page.
