Storms Roll Through Southeast Michigan Leaving Thousands Without Power

DETROIT (WWJ) - Threatening storms and heavy rains through much of southeast Michigan left some trees fallen and power lines downed after a band of storms Tuesday.

Reports of tree limbs down in Monroe County, as well as in Frenchtown Township and the city of Monroe.

Winds of 46 miles per hour were registered on Grosse Ile.

Mt. Clemens and Port Huron had winds of 43 miles per hour.

DTE Energy reports 12,000 customers are without power across metro Detroit.

Customers can report an outage, check on the status of an outage, and view an outage map, all from their smart phones. Customers also may call DTE Energy at (800) 477-4747 to report power outages or downed lines. We encourage customers to use our mobile website at dteenergy.com to report a power problem using the DTE Energy Outage Center app.

Additional information on the storm – including the online Power Outage Map – is available at www.dteenergy.com/outage.
Storm tips to reduce waste and injury:
· 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 lastest from the roads, stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 for Traffic and Weather on the 8s, 24-hours a day. Sign up for Weather Alerts by Texting FORECAST to 95001 and receive a once daily weather report.